U.S. envoy says new Syria harbors no hostile intentions toward Israel
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said on Tuesday that negotiations held between Syrian and Israeli officials in the French capital, Paris, had achieved a “breakthrough,” stressing that the new Syria harbors no hostile intentions toward Israel.
In a statement to the Israeli Jerusalem Post newspaper, Barrack stressed that Syria’s new government harbors no hostile intentions toward Israel and is seeking to build a relationship based on mutual respect and coexistence.
“The new Syrian government harbors no hostile intentions toward Israel, and seeks a relationship based on respect and coexistence,” he noted.
The U.S. official stated that the outcome of the talks “reflects a strong and mutual desire to move from denial to genuine cooperation and shared prosperity.”
He indicated that both sides are committed to establishing “a new relationship based on transparency and partnership,” which he said would help overcome the legacy of the past and accelerate the construction of a cooperative future.
Barrack added that Israel has shown readiness to work with Syria’s current leadership, viewing the situation as one in which the old hostile regime has been replaced by one committed to a new approach.
He emphasized that prioritizing economic opportunities and open dialogue is essential to building sustainable relations, noting that this process is unfolding under the leadership of the U.S. President Donald Trump and is aimed at long-term cooperation.
The remarks followed the conclusion of the fifth round of US-mediated negotiations between Syria and Israel, part of Washington’s efforts to reach a security agreement and foster relations between the two sides.
On Tuesday, the U.S. State Department announced that the parties had agreed to establish a communications cell to coordinate intelligence-sharing and reduce military escalation.
In a joint U.S.–Syrian–Israeli statement, the State Department welcomed the positive steps taken and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the understandings reached in Paris.
Meanwhile, the U.S. outlet Axios cited sources as saying that both sides agreed to accelerate negotiations and take confidence-building measures, as part of a shared effort to reach a security agreement aligned with the US president’s vision for the Middle East.