US-Brokered talks between Israel, Syrian transitional government

According to a diplomatic source cited by Agence France-Presse, a meeting took place between the Syrian transitional government’s Foreign Minister, Asaad Al-Shibani, Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, and the U.S. envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack.

Barrack stated in a post on X: “This evening, I met with Syrians and Israelis in Paris.” A French diplomatic source said the meeting had been “facilitated” by the U.S. envoy.

In his X post, Barrack said, “Our aim was dialogue and de-escalation and that is exactly what we achieved. All parties reaffirmed their commitment to continue these efforts,” referring to the recent military escalation in southern Syria.

Since July 13, Sweida and its countryside have witnessed attacks that led to the deaths of more than 1,300 people. The situation escalated with Israeli intervention, reportedly to protect the Druze community in Sweida, by striking Syrian transitional government forces in Sweida and their headquarters in Damascus.

A separate meeting was reportedly held between officials of the Syrian transitional government and Israeli officials on July 12 in Baku, during Ahmed Al-Shara’s visit to Azerbaijan, according to a diplomatic source in Damascus familiar with the talks.

Neither party has commented on the meetings, but the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights published what it said were the terms of the agreement:

1. The Sweida file will be transferred to the Americans, who will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the agreement.

2. All tribal forces and General Security forces will withdraw beyond the Druze villages.

3. Druze factions will conduct sweeps of all villages to ensure they are free of tribal forces and the Damascus government.

4. Local councils will be formed from Sweida residents to provide public services.

5. A committee will be established to document violations and submit reports to the American side.

6. Disarmament in Quneitra and Daraa, and formation of local security committees composed of residents, on the condition that they do not possess heavy weaponry.

7. No Syrian government-affiliated organization or institution will be allowed to enter Sweida, but UN organizations will be permitted entry.

A-H 

ANHA