Syrian President Sharaa: Israel Withdrew Near Security Deal, Golan Non-Negotiable

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa told an Atlantic Council event at the UN General Assembly that Damascus and Israel had nearly finalized a security agreement before Israel withdrew from negotiations. Sharaa stated the talks had reached 90 percent completion and focused on security arrangements that could lead to broader peace.

Sharaa rejected any discussion on the Golan Heights, calling it Syrian territory recognized by the UN and over 137 countries. He also cited Israeli occupation of new areas since December 8, 2024, ongoing air strikes, incursions, and arrests inside Syria as obstacles to normalization.

“We cannot talk about peace if the rights of Syrians are usurped.”

Addressing the October 7 attacks, Sharaa acknowledged Israeli losses but argued policy cannot be dictated by a single historical event. He pointed to over 70,000 killed in Gaza, saying security requires mutual respect. Sharaa insisted Syria will not discuss peace while Syrian rights are usurped.