Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said Sunday that his government is working to reach a security agreement with Israel through the involvement of several countries, while stressing that Damascus has no interest in a military confrontation with the Jewish state.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, al-Sharaa said Syria is seeking to prevent further instability in the region and warned that any chaos in neighboring Lebanon would have direct consequences for Syria.

“We are avoiding confrontation with Israel because we have no interest in it,” al-Sharaa said. “We are working to reach a security agreement with Israel with the participation of a group of countries.”

He added that if such an agreement is successful, it could “pave the way for comprehensive peace” while maintaining Syria’s claim to the Golan Heights.

Al-Sharaa also ruled out any Syrian military intervention in Lebanon, saying Damascus is instead working with the Lebanese government to help stabilize the country.

“The solution in Lebanon is not necessarily a security solution,” he said. “We are working on a comprehensive approach to the crisis,” warning that “any chaos in Lebanon will directly affect Syria.”

In a pointed message aimed at Hezbollah, al-Sharaa said Syria supports “the Lebanese state’s monopoly on weapons and on the decision of war and peace,” echoing growing calls for the Iran-backed terror group to relinquish its independent military capabilities.

The Syrian president also addressed domestic issues, saying implementation of the agreement with Syria’s Kurdish forces has slowed but remains on track. He added that a special committee has been established to handle the issue of missing persons in accordance with international standards and with the cooperation of countries experienced in such investigations.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)