Syria at UN accuses Israel of threatening regional stability

Syria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ibrahim Olabi on Thursday accused Israel of escalating tensions through military actions that undermine Damascus's efforts to combat terrorism and dismantle drug trafficking networks. Speaking during a UN Security Council session on regional security, Olabi said Syria was working to close sensitive files inherited from the former regime, including nuclear and chemical weapons programs. "At a time when Syria continues to reach borders to combat terrorism, dismantle drug trafficking networks, and close files inherited from the former regime, such as the nuclear file, the chemical file, and while you yourselves commend Syria's achievements, Israel continues to move in exactly the opposite direction," he said.

Olabi described Israel's conduct as a direct challenge to international efforts aimed at stabilizing the war-torn country, noting that Damascus had shown "utmost restraint" despite repeated provocations. He emphasized that Syrian authorities were simultaneously engaged in US-sponsored diplomatic initiatives designed to strengthen security mechanisms and reduce regional escalation, even as Israeli forces continued operations inside Syrian territory.

Alleged violations

The Syrian envoy specifically accused Israel of conducting eight separate airstrikes against Abu al-Duhur air base and carrying out ongoing incursions into Syrian territory accompanied by alleged abductions of civilians. He also criticized Israel's continued presence on Mount Hermon, describing it as "a blatant defiance of international legitimacy and the resolutions of this council," according to statements made during the session.

These violations, Olabi warned, were occurring while Syria attempted to consolidate control over its borders and eliminate remnants of terrorist organizations operating within its territory. The representative stressed that such Israeli actions directly contradicted the international community's expressed support for Syria's transitional progress in security sector reform.

Territorial demands and escalation fears

Olabi warned that the region was approaching a wider conflict, attributing the growing danger to what he characterized as the "narrow electoral calculations" driving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policies. "These attacks will not change our path. They will not change Syria's choice for stability," Olabi said, adding that the current Israeli government was acting in a "reckless and extremist" manner that endangered the entire Middle East.

He stressed that lasting stability could only be achieved if Israel ended its attacks, halted incursions and fully complied with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement regarding the Golan Heights, which Olabi described as undisputedly Syrian territory. "If Israel wants stability, then it can only be achieved by ending Israeli attacks, stopping the incursions conforming with the 1974 disengagement agreement, and withdrawing from the territories that it has occupied since the 8th of December," he said, referring to areas seized following the fall of the Assad regime.