Netanyahu Denies Report of Rejected Syria Security Deal at UN

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Tuesday dismissed as “fake news” a report by Saudi media claiming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to sign a security agreement with Syria during the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September.

The report by Asharq al-Awsat cited unnamed sources alleging that U.S. mediation had led to a meeting between Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. According to the story, the two leaders discussed a U.S.-brokered security agreement, which Netanyahu purportedly declined to sign.

“There were contacts and meetings organized by the U.S., but no agreements and understandings with Syria were ever reached,” the PMO clarified in an official statement.

The claim stems from President Sharaa’s appearance at September’s UNGA his first since Syria’s 1967 disengagement from the conference. In his address, Sharaa criticized Israeli policy, accusing it of fueling regional instability and blocking international support for Syria.

Sharaa had previously stated in a Washington Post interview in November that direct negotiations with Israel were underway, with “a good distance” covered, but said any final deal would require Israel to withdraw to pre-December 8 borders a reference to the fall of the Assad regime and subsequent Israeli strikes.

Over the weekend, Sharaa again attacked Israeli actions during the Doha Forum in Qatar, accusing Israel of using October 7 as justification for broader operations and regional deflection.

Israeli officials firmly rejected all claims of security understandings with Syria, emphasizing no agreements had been discussed or reached. The PMO’s denial underscores the ongoing volatility of regional diplomacy amid escalating rhetoric and media speculation. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.