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The United States will mediate talks between Israel and Syria's transitional government on Thursday in Paris after negotiations were suspended due to clashes with Druze groups in Sweida, according to reports from the region.
U.S. Special Representative for Syria and Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack will chair the meeting, which aims to address crisis prevention and strengthen communication and coordination between the parties. An American official announced that the U.S. would facilitate Israel-Syria discussions on July 24.
The talks represent the first high-level engagement since contacts were severed following clashes that began last week in Syria's Sweida province and subsequent Israeli airstrikes on Damascus, according to a U.S. official speaking to Axios.
Barrack has intensified his mediation efforts between the parties in recent weeks. High-level officials from both Israel and Syria are expected to participate in the meeting, with the primary agenda focused on strengthening communication and coordination to prevent future crises.
"There is relative calm now, but the fundamental issues cannot be resolved without comprehensive agreements between the US, Israel and the Syrian government," a senior Israeli official said.
The meeting location is set as Paris, France, according to media reports. Previous similar discussions took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, between Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
Speaking to Reuters in Beirut, Barrack issued a stark warning to Syria's President Ahmad al-Sharaa (Jolani), calling for a policy review following last week's sectarian violence. He urged the adoption of a more inclusive approach, warning that the Damascus administration risks losing international support and facing the country's fragmentation.
"Unless there is rapid change, Jolani risks losing the momentum that once brought him to power. The new government should consider being more inclusive regarding minority integration. The risks in Syria are dangerously high. Syria could witness disaster scenarios like those in Libya and Afghanistan, or worse," Barrack said.
In private discussions, Barrack recommended that Sharaa reconsider elements of the pre-war military structure, reduce Islamist orientation, and seek regional security support.
The State Department has not confirmed the planned talks, stating: "We do not confirm that discussions between Israel and Syria will take place in the near future."
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