Syrian President Criticizes Israel's Post-October 7 Policy

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad criticized Israel's policy towards his country, stating that the events of October 7, 2023, should not dictate Israel's approach to Syria. Speaking at an Atlantic Council event in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Assad argued that linking Israeli policy to the October 7 attacks is illogical and creates additional security threats. "If you want to protect your own security, you must respect the security of others," he stated, adding that Israel's strategy of creating problems around itself for security is ineffective.

Assad condemned Israeli strikes on Syrian territory, including attacks on presidential palaces, airports, and military sites. He questioned whether these actions truly enhance Israeli citizens' security. The Syrian president highlighted positive diplomatic developments with the US, UK, Gulf states, Iraq, and Lebanon, asserting that the "problem is in Israel, not in Syria."

He also revealed that direct negotiations between Syria and Israel, mediated by the US, have been ongoing for about a year. Assad claimed that at one point, the parties were "almost 90% agreed," but Israel subsequently retreated from these understandings or imposed new conditions. He indicated that the negotiation channel remains open.

Assad outlined a potential settlement roadmap, beginning with the withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories occupied after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024, returning to the lines of the 1974 disengagement agreement. Following this, security measures could be discussed, potentially leading to negotiations for a long-term peace. Throughout this process, Damascus maintains its claim that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory.