Syrian President Claims 90% Agreement With Israel Before Talks Collapsed

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad claimed in a UN General Assembly interview that Syria and Israel had reached "90% agreement" on unspecified issues, but Israel subsequently "retreated" from the deal for various reasons, which he did not detail. Assad made these remarks to journalist Barak Ravid while attending the UN assembly, addressing both Syrian-Israeli relations and the war in Gaza.

Assad expressed understanding for the impact of the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israelis but contrasted it with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, stating that over 70,000 people have been killed there. He strongly criticized Israel's military actions within Syria, citing "indiscriminate arrests," and alleged that the Syrian presidential palace, along with military airfields, had been bombed twice by the Israeli military. He questioned whether these actions would bring security to Israelis.

Regarding the Golan Heights, Assad reiterated Syria's position, asserting it is Syrian territory recognized by the UN and over 137 countries, making its ownership non-negotiable. The interview occurred amidst heightened tensions, including recent reports of explosions at a Syrian ammunition depot south of Aleppo, which injured four people, and the return of 14 Israeli civilians who had crossed into Syrian territory.

This comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited a military post in the Golan Heights, declaring Israeli control over the entire region from Mount Hermon to the Yarmouk River and extending to the Mediterranean Sea, sending a message to Iran and regional terrorist groups.