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The U.S. ambassador to Ankara and special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, described talks between Israeli and Syrian officials in Paris as “groundbreaking,” saying the outcome reflected a mutual desire for cooperation and shared prosperity.
Barrack made the remarks in an interview with the Jerusalem Post, commenting on the meeting held in the French capital under U.S. mediation.
Barrack said he was satisfied with the outcome of the Paris talks, calling them a significant step forward.
He said the results demonstrated a “strong and mutual desire” by both Israel and Syria to move toward cooperation and joint prosperity.
According to Barrack, both sides favor a new relationship based on transparency and partnership, a shift he said would increase cooperation between Tel Aviv and Damascus.
Barrack pointed to the decision to establish a joint communication mechanism between Israel and Syria, saying it marked a clear change in tone.
“The new Syrian government has clearly demonstrated that it harbors no hostile intentions toward Israel and instead seeks a relationship based on respect and coexistence,” he said.
He added that Israel is willing to engage with Syria’s leadership and is pleased to see the former hostile regime replaced by one committed to cooperation and a new paradigm.
Israeli and Syrian delegations met in Paris a day earlier with U.S. mediation.
Israel’s delegation included Yechiel Leiter, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military adviser and incoming Mossad director Roman Gofman, and acting National Security Council head Gil Reich.
The Syrian delegation was represented by Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Sheybani and General Intelligence Directorate head Hussein al-Salama.
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The United States was represented by Barrack, U.S. President Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff, and U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
In a written statement from Washington, the United States said a “joint communication mechanism” had been established under U.S. supervision to reduce tensions and help stabilize relations between Israel and Syria.
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