Syria Makes Progress on Security Agreement with Israel Along 1974 Borders

In a series of recent diplomatic meetings, key figures from Israel and Syria have been engaged in discussions aimed at addressing security issues along their shared border and the potential reinstatement of the 1974 Syria-Israel Disengagement Agreement.

On August 19, 2024, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer met with Syrian Foreign Minister Shaibani and Intelligence Chief Hussein Salame in Paris. The discussions reportedly focused on security issues along the Israel-Syria border, as well as the reactivation of the 1974 agreement.

This comes after U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, visited Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two discussed Syria and Lebanon, with Barrack reportedly asking Netanyahu to end Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

Syria has declared a cease-fire in Sweida after Druze-Bedouin clashes, and the U.S.-mediated discussions also addressed monitoring the ceasefire in Sweida province in southern Syria. The agreement established arrangements to pull back troops and set two main lines, known as the Alpha and Bravo lines, separating Syrian and Israeli military positions.

However, tensions remain high. Israeli forces intervened in clashes that erupted in Sweida in southern Syria on July 13, launching attacks on the Syrian army, areas near the presidential compound in Damascus, and the General Staff building. Netanyahu has signaled that the occupation in southern Syria would be permanent and demanded the disarmament of the southern region, contrary to Syrian sovereignty.

Moreover, Israeli forces occupied the buffer zone adjacent to the Golan Heights on December 8, 2024, and extended their occupation beyond the buffer zone, reaching within 20 kilometers of Damascus. This move has been met with strong objections from Syria, which emphasized the need for a precise mechanism to reactivate the 1974 ceasefire agreement during the Paris talks.

The talks also addressed de-escalation, noninterference in Syrian affairs, and reaching understandings to support regional stability. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is conducting "advanced discussions" with Israel on a possible security agreement based on the 1974 truce line.

It is important to note that the precise negotiating parties involved in the diplomatic talks in Paris on August 19, 2024, are not detailed in the available search results. Barrack met with Dermer, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and Defense Minister Israel Katz, and U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus accompanied him.

The 1974 Syria-Israel Disengagement Agreement aims to separate warring forces and end direct clashes between the two sides. The agreement, if reinstated, could potentially bring a much-needed sense of stability to the region. However, the ongoing occupation and demands for disarmament by Israel remain a significant obstacle to achieving this goal.

The discussions were reported by local media and Syrian TV, and it is hoped that further progress will be made in the future to bring about a more peaceful and stable environment in the region.