Rabia Iclal Turan
25 July 2025•Update: 25 July 2025
WASHINGTON
US Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said Thursday that a meeting between Syrian and Israeli representatives in Paris led to “dialogue and de-escalation” following days of violence in southern Syria.
“I met this evening with the Syrians and Israelis in Paris. Our goal was dialogue and de-escalation, and we accomplished precisely that,” Barrack said in a brief statement on X. “All parties reiterated their commitment to continuing these efforts.”
There was no immediate statement from either the Syrian or Israeli side. However, according to reports, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani were expected to attend the meeting in Paris.
State Department Deputy Spokesman Tommy Pigott, when asked about the talks in Paris during a daily press briefing, said Barrack and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been in contact with all sides for several days and that those diplomatic efforts were ongoing.
“Syria is at a critical juncture, and we are looking to the Syrian government to lead on these steps,” Pigot added.
The meeting came amid rising tensions between Syria and Israel. On July 13, clashes broke out between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze groups in Suwayda. Violence escalated, and Israeli airstrikes followed, targeting Syrian military positions and infrastructure, including in the capital Damascus.
While Israel cited the “protection of Druze communities” as a pretext for its attacks, most Druze leaders in Syria have publicly rejected any foreign interference and reaffirmed their commitment to a unified Syrian state. A ceasefire was announced on Saturday.
The new Syrian government has been working to reestablish order nationwide since the ouster of former regime leader Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8, 2024.
