**Syria Warns Israel Poses ‘Greatest Threat’ to Middle East Stability**
**New York City, September 18, 2026** – The United Nations Security Council convened for its monthly meeting on Syria’s post-Assad transition, where representatives from Syria, Israel, and Turkiye exchanged sharp accusations regarding military presence in Syria. The discussions highlighted the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding foreign involvement in the war-torn country.
Syria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ibrahim Olabi, expressed his disappointment that the meeting could not focus solely on Syria’s progress. Instead, he felt compelled to address what he described as Israel’s aggressive actions within Syrian territory. Olabi accused Israel of conducting airstrikes, incursions, and other violations that have resulted in the displacement of Syrian citizens and damage to national facilities. “Israel penetrated our villages, displaced our people, bombed our facilities while we chose to spare the region further suffering,” he stated.
Olabi emphasized that Israel's actions represent “the greatest threat facing the stability of the entire region, not just Syria.” He referenced an emergency declaration made by 44 nations outside the council chamber, which condemned a recent visit by Israeli leadership to Jabal al-Sheikh in Syria as an unlawful act and a “blatant violation” of international law.
In response, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, sought to downplay Israel's military presence in Syria. He redirected the focus toward Turkiye, warning that Ankara was planning to expand its military capabilities in the country. “If Israel’s tiny defensive buffer is considered a threat to Syrian stability, then what about a foreign power that controls a much larger portion of Syrian territory and is building its military presence there?” Danon asked, referring to Turkiye's military footprint in Syria.
Danon highlighted that Turkiye has approximately 20,000 troops and over 100 military bases in Syria, controlling about 5 percent of the territory—significantly more than Israel’s security buffer. He accused Turkiye of following an “Iranian proxy playbook,” suggesting that its military presence poses a greater risk to regional stability than Israel’s actions.
In defense of Turkiye’s military involvement, Turkish Ambassador to the UN, Ahmet Yildiz, asserted that Turkish forces are present in Syria at the invitation of the Syrian government. He categorically rejected Israel’s portrayal of Turkiye’s cooperation with Syria as a threat, arguing that it was an attempt by Israel to justify its own violations of international law. Yildiz condemned Israel’s actions as “reckless attacks” and called for Israel to de-escalate and withdraw its forces from Syrian territory.
The meeting underscored the ongoing complexities of the Syrian conflict, where various international actors have vested interests. Olabi criticized the focus on proxy issues during the discussions, stating that such debates should no longer be relevant in the current context of Syria. “Syria’s meetings should not be talking about proxy issues any more. That was the case during the regime era. It should no longer be the case. It’s frankly traumatizing,” he remarked.
The exchange at the Security Council reflects the heightened tensions in the region, with various nations asserting their military presence and influence in Syria amidst ongoing instability. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful of the implications for regional security and the potential for further conflict.