Syrian delegation meets Israelis in Paris amid sovereignty breaches

Talks have been continuing on and off to reach a security deal between the sides for months.Published On 5 Jan 2026A Syrian delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and General Intelligence Director-General Hussein al-Salama, is joining a new round of negotiations with Israeli counterparts in the French capital Paris, under the coordination and mediation of the United States, according to Syrian state news agency SANA.A government source told SANA on Monday that the resumption of these negotiations affirms Syria’s unwavering commitment to restoring its non-negotiable national rights.Israel has, since the fall of longtime Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, extended its occupation of Syrian territory beyond the Golan Heights and staged numerous raids and bombardments in southern Syria.For months, Israeli forces have conducted near-daily incursions into southern Syria, particularly in the Quneitra governorate, carrying out arrests, erecting checkpoints, and bulldozing land, all of which have prompted growing public anger and unrest.The source added: “The talks are primarily focused on reactivating the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces to their positions prior to December 8, 2014, within the framework of an equitable security agreement that prioritises full Syrian sovereignty and guarantees the prevention of any form of interference in internal affairs.”Despite a reduction in direct military threats, the Israeli army continues to carry out air raids that have caused civilian casualties and destroyed Syrian army sites and facilities.