Syria and Israel Hold US‑Mediated Paris Talks to Revive 1974 Disengagement Pact

Overview

A Syrian delegation led by Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and Intelligence Chief Hussein al-Salama has begun a new round of negotiations with Israeli counterparts in Paris under U.S. coordination, Syrian state media SANA reports. Damascus says the talks aim to reactivate the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces to positions held before Dec. 8, 2014, within an equitable security arrangement that restores full Syrian sovereignty.

Background and developments

Syria accuses Israel of expanding its control beyond the Golan Heights and carrying out frequent raids, airstrikes and ground incursions—particularly in Quneitra—resulting in arrests, checkpoints, land bulldozing and civilian casualties. Data from ACLED cited in the report notes more than 600 air, drone and artillery strikes across Syria in the past year. Israel has previously declared the 1974 accord void following the fall of Bashar al-Assad and insists the terms no longer apply; Israeli officials say they seek a peaceful border, while Syria refuses formal recognition of Israel or participation in the Abraham Accords. Talks have been on and off for months with no public breakthrough so far, according to the Syrian source, as reported by Al Jazeera

This story has also been reported by: ABC News