Al-Sharaa admits Syria is ‘scared’ of Israel, urges closure on security deal

While Sharaa held out hope for a security agreement, he downplayed prospects of a broader breakthrough such as recognition of Israel.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Syria’s transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa, on his first trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, warned that the region could face fresh upheaval unless Israel concludes a security deal with his government that safeguards Syrian sovereignty.

Al-Sharaa, who rose to power after his forces toppled Bashar al-Assad in December, accused Israel of dragging its feet and continuing airspace violations.

“We are not the ones creating problems for Israel. We are scared of Israel, not the other way around,” he said at an event hosted by the Middle East Institute.

He argued that repeated incursions posed “multiple risks” and insisted Damascus sought stability.

At the same time, he rejected any suggestion of partitioning Syria, stressing the potential consequences for neighboring states.

“Jordan is under pressure, and any talk of partitioning Syria will hurt Iraq, will hurt Turkey,” he said. “That will take us all back to square one,” after 15 years of conflict. He emphasized that his government intends to protect the Druze minority and preserve Syria’s territorial integrity.

While al-Sharaa held out hope for a security agreement, he downplayed prospects of a broader breakthrough such as recognition of Israel.

Syrian officials have said their immediate goal is to finalize military and security arrangements before year’s end.

US Special Envoy Tom Barrack, speaking on the sidelines of the assembly, indicated progress was being made.

He described a potential “de-escalation” deal under which Israel would halt incursions, while Syria would refrain from deploying heavy machinery near the border. Barrack said such a step could lay the groundwork for a wider agreement.

During his visit, Sharaa also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and is expected to deliver the first General Assembly address by a Syrian president in nearly six decades. The address will highlight his government’s effort to present itself as a stabilizing force, even as Israel and Syria remain formally at war.