Syrian Regime Considers Joining Mecca Defense Pact Amidst Ongoing Israeli Aggressions

Asaad al-Shebani, the Syrian regime’s Foreign Minister, who has shown little response to repeated Israeli aggressions, acknowledged that state-building efforts in southern Syria face serious challenges, having endured over a thousand Israeli violations in less than two years.

Speaking at the ‘Manama Dialogue’ in Bahrain, al-Shebani stated that talks are underway to consider Syria’s accession to the Mecca Defense Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. He claimed that Damascus seeks to strengthen its role in regional security decision-making.

However, in his remarks, al-Shebani overlooked the successive Israeli violations of Syrian territory and emphasized that genuine security depends on protecting the people, requiring trained forces, advanced equipment, and regional cooperation to combat cross-border smuggling.

Al-Shebani once again called for a return to the pre-December 2024 ceasefire lines and the activation of the disengagement agreement in the Golan Heights, stressing that the Golan is Syrian land and that UN Security Council Resolution 497 is the key reference on this issue. He also stated that regional stability hinges on resolving the Gaza crisis and establishing an independent Palestinian state, warning that ignoring Palestinian rights could lead to a fragile phase between two wars.

Meanwhile, the Syrian regime has taken no effective action in response to Israel’s repeated aggressions, weakening sovereignty and security for people in southern Syria. The Foreign Minister’s remarks about joining the Mecca coalition demonstrate a bias and a call for assistance from regional countries, potentially institutionalizing the ongoing security crises.