Israel and Syria Establish Joint Liaison Mechanism in Paris Talks

Diplomatic Breakthrough in Paris

In a significant diplomatic development, Israel and Syria have concluded a new round of US-mediated talks in Paris, agreeing to establish a permanent, US-supervised Joint Liaison Mechanism. The understanding, reached after two days of discussions around January 6-8, 2026, aims to reduce tensions along the Golan Heights border and explore avenues for future cooperation. This marks the fifth round of negotiations between the two nations, which have technically remained in a state of war since 1948.

The Joint Liaison Mechanism

The newly established Joint Liaison Mechanism, also referred to as a 'joint fusion mechanism' or 'dedicated communication cell,' is designed to facilitate several critical functions. According to a joint statement issued by the United States, Israel, and Syria, its primary objectives include:

• Intelligence sharing
• Military de-escalation
• Diplomatic coordination
• Exploration of commercial opportunities

US Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, described the outcome as a 'breakthrough,' highlighting its role in managing disputes in real-time and reducing the risk of miscalculation. The mechanism is intended to serve as a platform for immediate and ongoing coordination, signaling a shift from total deadlock to procedural engagement.

Key Participants and Context

The talks were facilitated by US mediators, including Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and Tom Barrack. The Israeli delegation was led by Acting National Security Council Director Gil Reich, Prime Minister's Military Secretary Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman, and Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter. The Syrian delegation included Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Sheibani and General Intelligence chief Hussein Salama.

These discussions occur in the wake of the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, a period during which Israel had increased its military presence in the UN-controlled buffer zone and conducted incursions into Syrian territory. The negotiations also touched upon the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which established a buffer zone between the two countries.

Remaining Hurdles and Future Outlook

Despite the establishment of the liaison mechanism, significant challenges remain. Israel has maintained its 'red lines,' asserting no negotiations on the status of the Golan Heights, occupied since 1967, or Mount Hermon, seized in 2024. Israel also insists on robust security guarantees and the demilitarization of sensitive areas in southwestern Syria, alongside a commitment to protect the Druze community in Syria.

Conversely, Syria continues to demand a full Israeli withdrawal to pre-December 2024 lines and has expressed interest in reviving the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. Syrian officials have indicated that deeper strategic talks are contingent on a binding timeline for Israeli troop withdrawal from recently occupied territories. While a comprehensive peace agreement remains elusive, the current focus is on pragmatic de-escalation and exploring limited economic cooperation. Further talks are anticipated to address the remaining areas of disagreement and build confidence between the two sides.