President al-Sharaa rules out military intervention in Lebanon, backing Beirut's efforts to restore state authority

He warns Lebanon instability would have immediate repercussions for Syria

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has said Damascus is working to reach a security agreement with Israel through mediation by several countries, expressing hope that it could pave the way for broader peace.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, the leader said Syria was seeking to avoid military confrontation with Israel and viewed a security arrangement as a step towards a comprehensive resolution to the conflict.

He told the news portal that any agreement would not compromise Syria's claim to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

He made the remarks after repeated Israeli strikes and military incursions into southern Syria following his rise to power in December 2024 after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government.

According to Al Jazeera, the Syrian president also dismissed rumours of the government planning to intervene with military forces in Lebanon, saying Damascus was instead in discussion to find ways to support Lebanese authorities in addressing the country’s ongoing crisis.

He told the news portal that Syria backed efforts to ensure the Lebanese state held exclusive authority over weapons and decisions on war and peace, warning that instability in Lebanon or a wider regional conflict involving Iran would have immediate consequences for Syria.