Syria and Israel Establish Communication Mechanism

A New Beginning for Syria-Israel Relations

Syria and Israel have agreed to establish a joint communication mechanism following discussions mediated by the United States, which took place on Tuesday in Paris. The two nations refer to it as a "dedicated communication circuit," aimed at information exchange and coordination for military de-escalation.

Despite an existing U.S.-backed security agreement from 1974, Israel began attacking Syrian military infrastructure and expanding its troops in the demilitarized zone that belongs to Syria after the Assad regime's fall on December 8, 2024. In the past 12 months, Syria and Israel have engaged in intermittent negotiations to identify a new security agreement that would put an end to Israel's repeated aggressions against Syrian territory.

What Does Syria Want?

According to a government source cited by state media SANA, Syria seeks to reactivate the "1974 Disengagement Agreement," aiming for the withdrawal of Israeli forces to pre-December 8, 2024 lines, within a reciprocal security agreement that prioritizes Syria's complete sovereignty and guarantees the absence of any form of interference in its internal affairs.

What Does Israel Want?

Israel has three main objectives, according to Al Jazeera correspondents. "For Israel, it is about gaining more territory, patronage of minorities, and achieving a long-term advantage," stated an analyst. Israel has attempted to depict the new Syrian government as extremist and a threat to its security, demanding the demilitarization of southern Damascus while seeking to develop relationships with Syrian minorities, particularly the Druze in Suwayda.

What Do the United States Want?

Washington's priority is maintaining control of the situation. The United States believes that stability in Syria, under a central government in Damascus, could allow for the withdrawal of American troops from eastern Syria. However, the U.S. desires a strong Syria to prevent the return of Iranian influence.

Will These Mechanisms Work?

Concerns remain. A Syrian official stated to Reuters that Syria is not willing to advance on "strategic files" without a deadline that mandates Israel's withdrawal from the occupied Syrian territories post-December 2024. Additionally, the United States is expected to hold Israel accountable, a step that has been infrequent in recent years.

What About the Golan Heights?

Israel has illegally occupied parts of the Syrian Golan Heights since 1967 and has shown no signs of willingness to return these territories to the Syrian government. Following the fall of the Assad regime, Israel expanded its occupation in Syrian territories, including the confiscation of Mount Jabal al-Sheikh, a strategic point between Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.