Syrian President Claims Israel Withdrew From Near-Agreement

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad claimed on Wednesday that Syria and Israel had been close to reaching an agreement on 90% of issues during past negotiations, but that Israel ultimately withdrew. Speaking on the sidelines of a UN General Assembly session, Assad urged Israel to change its policy towards Syria, stating that a lasting peace could be discussed if agreements were reached.

Assad stated that several rounds of talks with Israel, mediated by friendly nations including the United States, had taken place. "We almost reached a 90% agreement," he asserted, "but at that point, Israel withdrew from the agreement for various reasons it presented." He did not specify which agreements he was referring to.

When asked by journalist Barak Ravid about Israel's concerns following the October 7th Hamas attack, Assad expressed understanding for Israelis' feelings after innocent people were harmed. However, he argued that policy towards Syria should not be solely based on that event, pointing to the war in Gaza and its death toll, which he stated exceeds 70,000.

Assad also criticized the Israeli military's actions within Syria, alleging that Israel conducts raids, arrests, and attacks airports and other sites. "Even the presidential palace was bombed twice by the Israeli army," he said, questioning whether these actions contribute to Israeli citizens' security.

Regarding the Golan Heights, the Syrian president reiterated a firm stance, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the territory. Assad argued that no American president has the authority to decide such matters, recounting a humorous exchange with Trump where he suggested Trump give New Jersey to Israelis instead, as the Golan Heights was not his to give away. He concluded by comparing Syria's relations with other regional countries to its strained relationship with Israel, stating, "I believe the problem is with Israel, not with Syria," and called for Israel to change its approach.