Israel, Syria, U.S. Announce Joint Security Mechanism in Rare Step Toward De-Escalation

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – Israel, Syria and the United States have agreed to establish a new “joint fusion mechanism” aimed at enhancing security coordination, intelligence sharing and military de-escalation, marking the most significant formal cooperation between Jerusalem and Damascus in decades.

Following two days of talks in Paris, the three countries announced Tuesday the creation of a U.S.-supervised “dedicated communication cell” designed to facilitate intelligence cooperation, prevent military escalation, advance diplomatic engagement and explore future commercial opportunities. The mechanism will also serve as a rapid channel for resolving disputes.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said the talks represented a renewal of diplomatic dialogue after months of American-backed efforts to stabilize relations between Israel and Syria under the country’s new leadership. Israel stressed that continued dialogue is intended to advance shared objectives and ensure the safety of Syria’s Druze minority, which has been threatened by sectarian violence in the country’s south.

Israel and Syria do not maintain formal diplomatic relations, a reality that has long fueled tension, particularly along their volatile border. Those tensions intensified following fighting in southern Syria that endangered Druze communities, prompting repeated Israeli cross-border operations aimed at countering armed groups and protecting the minority population. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, Israel has also established a security buffer inside parts of southern Syria, citing concerns that terror groups could exploit the power vacuum.

The Trump administration has actively supported Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa since his overthrow of the Assad regime, lifting many sanctions imposed during Syria’s civil war and pressing for regional stabilization. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced optimism about improved Israeli-Syrian relations, saying during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s December visit that he intended to help the two sides “get along.”

According to a joint statement released by Washington, the Paris talks focused on respect for Syria’s sovereignty, Israel’s security needs, and long-term prosperity for both countries. All sides reaffirmed their commitment to working toward durable security and stability arrangements, with the United States pledging continued support as part of its broader Middle East peace efforts.

Israeli officials described the talks as “good and important,” noting that the sides agreed to convene a working group on a frequent and ongoing basis and to implement confidence-building measures. A Syrian source close to al-Sharaa’s government said American pressure had created “fertile ground” for progress toward a security agreement that could eventually lead to an Israeli withdrawal from Syrian territory in exchange for credible security guarantees.

The discussions in Paris represent the third round of indirect talks between the two longtime adversaries and are reportedly centered on reviving elements of the 1974 disengagement agreement that established a UN-monitored buffer zone after the Yom Kippur War. Israel has argued that the accord was effectively voided by Assad’s ouster, prompting the Israel Defense Forces to operate up to 15 kilometers inside Syrian territory to secure weapons it says could threaten Israel if seized by hostile forces.

Trump has urged a swift agreement while backing Israel’s security red lines, warning against actions that could destabilize Syria’s new leadership. Israeli officials say any deal must guarantee security along the frontier, even as Washington presses for momentum.

Separately, France’s foreign minister met with Syria’s top diplomat during the Paris talks to discuss renewed economic ties and the potential return of French companies to Syria, underscoring growing international engagement with Damascus.

The joint statement said the new mechanism “reflects the determination to turn a new page” in Israeli-Syrian relations, signaling cautious but notable progress after decades of hostility.

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