Roughly 90 percent of a draft security agreement between Syria and Israel has been completed, with remaining issues largely centered on practical implementation, humanitarian coordination, and security guarantees on the ground in both countries, Syrian and U.S. sources familiar with ongoing negotiations told Al-Modon. 

The fifth round of U.S.-mediated talks in Paris concluded Tuesday, following months of stalled negotiations in the fourth round. The discussions aim to reactivate the 1974 disengagement agreement and oversee Israeli withdrawal to positions held before December 8, 2024, in exchange for mutual security assurances. These include disarmament measures in southern Syria and protection for minority communities.

The Syrian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and intelligence chief Hussein al-Salama, with U.S. envoy Tom Barrack facilitating. According to sources, the Trump administration has pushed for a rapid agreement to stabilize the region and prevent renewed escalation.

Sources told Al-Modon that while some disagreements remain over humanitarian access and practical enforcement of security guarantees, the overall framework is largely agreed upon.

“The discussions have progressed further than many expect, and the framework for the security agreement is largely in place,” one source said. “The remaining issues are clear, which should allow for faster progress now.”

Officials noted that Israel’s position is shaped by on-the-ground realities, particularly in southern Syria, which has historically been vulnerable to foreign militias and saw the influence of ISIS and Iranian-backed forces. Both countries reportedly view the resolution of these issues as critical to regional stability.

The outstanding challenges, according to sources, focus on translating the agreement into actionable measures. This includes coordinating humanitarian access, establishing security protocols, and ensuring that both sides can implement guarantees effectively. Syrian authorities have shown a willingness to take concrete steps to mitigate threats, which sources say is essential to building trust and credibility in the talks.

“The remaining points relate mostly to operationalizing the agreement,” a source explained. “Once these are resolved, we could see the security framework implemented very quickly.”

In a parallel development, Axios reported that the United States has proposed the creation of a joint task force comprising American, Israeli, and Syrian personnel, to be headquartered in Amman, Jordan. The force would oversee security in southern Syria, act as the operational framework for disarmament negotiations, and facilitate Israeli troop withdrawals from territories seized following the fall of the Assad regime.

Under the plan, all military activity in current positions would be frozen until the task force’s operational procedures are finalized, preventing escalation during the preparatory period. Each participating country would assign representatives to a joint command responsible for managing diplomatic discussions, military and intelligence coordination, and economic relations. The U.S. would serve as a continuous mediator, ensuring smooth communication and addressing obstacles in real time.

Israeli Channel 12 reported that the U.S. proposal also includes an ambitious economic initiative along the demilitarized strip. Planned projects include energy facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and even a ski resort, transforming the area into a potential economic corridor. Analysts estimate that the initiative could boost Syria’s GDP by $4 billion, increase electricity generation by 800 megawatts, create 15,000 jobs, and reduce reliance on imported medicine by 40 percent.

For Israel, the plan offers a chance to turn a barren buffer zone into a dynamic economic region while lowering military spending on border security. According to Axios analyst Amit Siegal, the proposal introduces independent tax regulations, visa facilitation, financial arbitration mechanisms, and even the potential for a shared currency framework. While Syria is not required to join the Abraham Accords, Siegal described the arrangement as “a good deal,” emphasizing its potential for sustainable economic growth and regional stability.