Expert says normalization path emerging between Syria, Israel
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Isaac Andakian, an international crisis management expert, told North Press on Wednesday that the trilateral US–Syrian–Israeli statement represents an initial step and a practical translation toward normalization between Syria and Israel.
Andakian said that the Paris statement was issued with the aim of implementing the outcomes of the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026.
He explained that the third clause of Paragraph (b) of Article 8369 stipulates the repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019, provided that Syria refrains from taking any unjustified unilateral military actions against its neighbors, including Israel, and continues making progress toward international security agreements.
On Tuesday, the U.S. State Department issued a joint statement by the United States, Syria, and Israel outlining the results of the Syrian–Israeli meeting held in Paris.
The Washington-based expert noted that a comparison between the Paris statement and the provisions of the NDAA for FY2026 shows that the statement establishes a practical framework for implementing the third clause of Paragraph (b) of Article 8369.
He added that the Paris statement includes clear mechanisms, such as intelligence-sharing between Syria and Israel, efforts to reduce military escalation on the ground, coordination of diplomatic positions, and the opening of channels to explore future economic and trade cooperation.
According to Andakian, the coordination cell stipulated in the statement will serve as a permanent platform to address emerging developments and prevent misunderstandings, thereby contributing to regional stability.
He further said that the Paris statement reflects that both Israel and Syria achieved key objectives during the talks, as discussions focused on respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, an essential Syrian demand, while also ensuring Israel’s security, which is a core Israeli concern.
Andakian concluded that the overall content of the Paris statement signals a normalization trajectory between Syria and Israel, which could eventually lead Israel to abandon its narrative of protecting ethnic and religious minorities in Syria, particularly the Druze community in Suwayda.