Israel, Syria Hold First High-Level Talks in 25 Years in Paris Amid US De-Escalation Push

For the first time in over 25 years, senior Israeli and Syrian officials held high-level talks in Paris aimed at de-escalating tensions and improving regional security. The meeting, facilitated by U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack and reportedly supported by Turkey, involved Israel's Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and Syria's Foreign Minister Assad Hassan al-Sheibani. Discussions focused on reducing hostilities in southern Syria, addressing security concerns, and touching on broader regional issues such as Iran's nuclear program. Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, Israel continues to maintain a strong security posture, demanding a demilitarized zone near its northern border and a permanent presence in the buffer zone. The talks come amid recent instability in southern Syria, including sectarian clashes and Israeli airstrikes, which have accelerated secret diplomatic contacts between the two countries. These developments represent a critical step towards dialogue and may pave the way for further agreements promoting stability in the West Asia region.