Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa spoke at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. He used his time to criticize Israel for launching airstrikes against his country. Sharaa claimed Israel has carried out 500 airstrikes and 1,200 incursions since his forces took power.
Most of his speech focused on progress made since ending the Assad regime rule. He said his forces took Damascus after over half a century in power. The AP reported that Sharaa concluded his speech with a harsh note toward Israel.
“The world is joyed about our return, but Israel is launching attacks against Syria,” he said. He noted that 300 detentions have also taken place during this time. Sharaa called these actions at odds with the global orientation he sees today.
Sharaa called on Israel to withdraw from Syrian territory it advanced into recently. This follows the fall of Assad’s government in December 2024. He demanded that Israel cease its attacks on his nation immediately.
“We reject Israeli attempts to impose a fait accompli,” he said during the address. He added that their aggressions undermine peace and security in the region. The Washington Examiner reported these specific rejections from the Syrian leader.
He also reaffirmed Syria’s ownership of the Golan Heights area. Israel seized this land during the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed it in 1981. Sharaa’s family comes from this specific region.
Even though the words were harsh, the Syrian president concluded more gently. He expressed a desire for peace with Israel if certain conditions are met. Those desiring to live justly can find peace, he declared.
“The opportunity for peace and security is available to those who wish to live in peace,” he said. This occurs while Israel keeps a hostile stance toward Damascus’s new government. The leader had past ties to jihadi groups before breaking with them.
Recently, Israel has carried out repeated air strikes on Syrian government targets. These actions have inflamed tensions with the United States.
