Syria has expressed willingness to engage in a U.S.-backed security agreement with Israel, while firmly rejecting any acceptance of Israeli occupation of its territory, according to remarks made by Damascus’ permanent representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi. Addressing the UN Security Council, Olabi accused Israel of conducting military incursions and airstrikes that undermine diplomatic efforts and threaten Syrian sovereignty.

Olabi emphasized that Syria has chosen dialogue and mediation in an effort to avoid further regional escalation, contrasting this approach with what he described as Israel’s aggressive response. “Israel penetrated our villages, displaced our people, bombed our facilities while we chose to spare the region further suffering,” he said, highlighting the dichotomy between Syrian diplomatic overtures and Israeli military actions.

While affirming Syria’s interest in pursuing a security agreement under U.S. auspices, Olabi was clear that such cooperation does not imply any acceptance of Israeli occupation or forfeiture of Syria’s national rights. He detailed Syria’s return to the international community with priorities including rebuilding state institutions, integrating military forces, combating militant groups such as Daesh, dismantling drug-smuggling operations, and strengthening regional cooperation.

However, Olabi warned that Israel’s ongoing operations in Syria pose a direct challenge to these efforts. He accused Israel of exacerbating tensions, causing casualties among Syrian civilians, and obstructing international initiatives aimed at addressing the remnants of the former regime’s chemical weapons program and nuclear materials.

Syria’s envoy urged the international community to seize what he termed a “golden opportunity” to pursue regional stability and development rather than continued conflict. He described Syria as an “indispensable partner” for ensuring security in the Middle East and identified Israel as the principal regional threat undermining such stability.

The address underscores the continuing complexity of Syrian-Israeli relations and the broader geopolitical dynamics influencing efforts to secure peace and stability in the region.