Syrian President Says Oct. 7 Attacks Shouldn't Dictate Israeli Policy

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stated in New York that Syria and Israel were close to a security agreement before Israel withdrew from negotiations, asserting that the Golan Heights will remain Syrian territory. Speaking at an event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Assad indicated that Damascus had pursued a diplomatic path with Israel, reaching "90% agreement" on security arrangements.

Assad emphasized that these security talks could have paved the way for a broader peace agreement. He unequivocally rejected any discussion on the status of the Golan Heights, citing UN recognition and a vote by over 137 countries affirming it as Syrian territory. "There is no room for discussion about these territories or to whom they belong," he declared.

Responding to a question about Israeli concerns following the October 7th Hamas attacks, Assad acknowledged the events but argued that Israeli policy should not be solely based on that single incident. He contrasted this with the situation in Gaza, where he stated over 70,000 people have been killed, including many women and children. "It is not appropriate that what happened on October 7th dictates policy towards Syria," he said, adding that such a stance is illogical and creates further security threats.

Assad advocated for a change in Israeli policy, suggesting that true security requires respecting the security of others. He argued that Israel's current approach of creating surrounding problems to protect itself is counterproductive. He also spoke positively about his relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, recalling a joke he made about New Jersey during a White House visit after Trump had recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Assad concluded by reiterating that the Golan Heights belong to its people and no one has the authority to cede it.