Israel sets broad security demands in renewed Syria talks in Paris
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Israel and Syria are set to resume U.S.-mediated negotiations in Paris on Monday and Tuesday, aiming to reach a security arrangement after talks stalled for more than two months amid deep disagreements, according to a report by Yediot Ahronot.
Officials on both sides have stressed that the discussions focus on a security framework rather than normalization of relations, which they say could be addressed later, if at all.
Israel, citing security concerns, is unwilling to withdraw immediately and is instead seeking a phased process alongside far-reaching conditions.
The conditions include the demilitarization of southern Syria, extending close to Damascus, and commitments preventing the deployment of heavy weapons in the area—demands widely viewed as unacceptable to the Syrian leadership.
Jerusalem is also pressing Damascus to curb any Turkish military buildup in Syria. Israeli officials argue that a Turkish presence, including aircraft or radar systems, would effectively turn Syria into a forward base for Ankara and pose a major security threat.
While Syrian officials are unlikely to formally accept such conditions, the report suggests informal understandings could be explored.
Another Israeli demand involves establishing a secure corridor from the border to the Druze Mountain region to guarantee the safety of the Druze community, a proposal Syria is also unlikely to accept.
The decision to renew talks followed a meeting last week between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida. The talks are mediated by U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, with delegations led by senior security and diplomatic officials from both sides.
Analysts remain divided over the prospects, with some warning that gaps over withdrawal, demilitarization, Turkish presence, and minority protections remain profound.