Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa delivered a televised address on Wednesday, pledging to safeguard Syria’s unity and condemning alleged Israeli efforts to destabilize the nation amid ongoing clashes in the southern Sweida governorate.

He firmly rejected foreign interference, declaring that Syria would not become a stage for external agendas.

“Syrians, with their long history, have always rejected all forms of division,” al-Sharaa asserted. “We are the children of this land and the most capable of overcoming Israeli attempts to fragment us.”

Accusing Israel of exploiting Syria’s post-regime transition to undermine national cohesion, al-Sharaa emphasized that the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. However, reports indicate that his administration has held backchannel talks with Israeli officials, discussing issues such as the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights and security arrangements under American and Azerbaijani mediation.

Addressing the recent violence in Sweida, al-Sharaa lauded the Druze community as an “essential part of Syria’s national fabric” and prioritized their safety. He announced that local factions and Druze religious elders have been tasked with restoring order, a decision he framed as a strategic choice to avoid broader conflict. “We were faced with the choice of war with Israel or allowing Druze elders to broker an agreement—and we chose to protect the homeland,” he said.

Al-Sharaa claimed that Syrian state institutions successfully intervened to curb the unrest in Sweida, despite alleged Israeli efforts to derail reconciliation. He credited an international mediation effort involving American, Turkish, and Arab parties with helping to de-escalate the situation.

While affirming Syria’s readiness to defend itself, al-Sharaa stressed that stability and unity are the current priorities. “We chose the interest of the people over chaos,” he stated. “Our best option was to protect the unity of the homeland.

”The president called on Syrians to unite across sectarian and regional lines and focus on rebuilding the nation after years of conflict. “There is no place for others’ ambitions on our land,” he concluded. “We will restore Syria’s dignity.”

The address comes as Syria navigates a fragile political transition under al-Sharaa’s interim leadership, with the country still grappling with the legacy of over a decade of war and deep-seated divisions. (ILKHA)