Barak: The Transitional Government Harbors No Hostile Intentions Toward Israel

The U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barak, considered that the negotiations held between Syrian and Israeli officials in the French capital, Paris, achieved a significant breakthrough, affirming that the transitional government harbors no hostile intentions toward Israel and seeks to build a relationship based on mutual respect and coexistence.

In statements to The Jerusalem Post, Barak explained that the results of the talks reflect a strong and shared desire to move from a phase of denial to genuine cooperation and shared prosperity, noting the commitment of both sides to building a new relationship founded on transparency and partnership, in a manner that contributes to overcoming the legacy of the past and accelerating the construction of a future based on cooperation.

He added that Israel is demonstrating readiness to cooperate with the transitional government, considering that the old hostile regime has been replaced by another committed to a new approach. He stressed that prioritizing economic opportunities and open dialogue constitutes a fundamental entry point for building sustainable relations. He emphasized that this track is proceeding under the leadership of the U.S. President and aims to establish long-term cooperation.

These statements come following the conclusion of the fifth round of Syrian-Israeli negotiations, mediated by the United States, as part of Washington’s efforts to reach a security agreement and build relations between the two sides.

The U.S. Department of State had announced yesterday, Tuesday, that the two parties agreed to establish a communications cell to coordinate the exchange of intelligence information and reduce military escalation. In a joint U.S.–Syrian–Israeli statement, the U.S. Department of State praised the positive steps that have been achieved, affirming its commitment to supporting the understandings reached in Paris.

The American website Axios also reported, citing informed sources, that the two sides agreed to accelerate the pace of negotiations and take confidence-building steps, within the framework of a joint effort to reach a security agreement that aligns with the U.S. President’s vision for the Middle East.