Israeli, Syrian ministers to meet in Paris tonight under US mediation

Israeli and Syrian ministers in Paris.
Israeli and Syrian ministers in Paris.

By Saad al-Yaziji

PARIS, Syria (North Press) – Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Sheibani are expected to hold a high-level meeting in Paris Tuesday evening, according to US media outlet Axios. The gathering will reportedly include US envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack.

Axios cited two informed sources confirming the encounter, which, if it takes place as planned, would be the second ministerial-level meeting between Dermer and Sheibani within a month. The report highlighted that this comes after nearly 25 years of near-complete diplomatic interruption between Israel and Syria.

The meeting is reported to focus on security matters and border arrangements. No official statements from the Israeli or Syrian governments were immediately available at the time of reporting.

Historical context underscores the sensitivity of such encounters. Israel and Syria have remained in a state of high tension since the early 2000s, with intermittent cross-border incidents. While previous attempts at dialogue have occurred under US mediation, long-standing disputes over the Golan Heights and border security have limited sustained engagement.