Syrian President Assad Criticizes Israeli Policy Post-October 7

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stated in New York that Israel's policy towards his country is disproportionately shaped by the October 7th Hamas attacks, calling it illogical. Speaking at an Atlantic Council event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Assad acknowledged understanding the events of October 7th but argued that "it is not possible for all policy to be determined based on a single event in history." He also urged Israel to "respect the security of others" for its own security and highlighted the situation in Gaza, where he claimed over 70,000 people, including many women and children, have been killed. Assad suggested Israel's strategy of creating surrounding problems for its security is ineffective and needs to change.

Assad also commented on past U.S. policy, praising former President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Syria. He humorously recounted a conversation with Trump regarding the Golan Heights, joking about Trump's assertion of Israeli sovereignty by asking why he didn't give Israel New Jersey instead, as the Golan Heights does not belong to the U.S. president to give away. However, Assad emphasized that the Golan Heights belong solely to its inhabitants, and neither the Syrian president, the U.S. president, nor anyone else has the right to cede it.

Furthermore, Assad revealed that Syria and Israel were close to a political agreement in the past, reaching "almost 90% of an agreement," but Israel ultimately withdrew due to various stated reasons. The report also touches on recent developments, including Syrian authorities addressing the situation with Druze communities in southern Syria following the surrender of Kurds, and frustration over perceived increased Israeli support for separatist elements in the region. The spiritual leader of the Syrian Druze community recently stated they are an inseparable part of Israel, a remark that reportedly raised concerns in the Syrian government amid perceived closer ties between the community and Israel.