Syria's new leader warned Wednesday that Israel's persistent attacks put his country and the region at risk, on a landmark UN visit where the former jihadist sought to charm with his moderation.

Ahmed al-Sharaa is the first Syrian president in decades to address the UN's annual week of high-level diplomacy, marking a rapid reinvention for an erstwhile Al-Qaeda affiliate who until last year had a US bounty on his head.

Sharaa, sporting a neat-fitted Western suit and tie, said Syria had turned a page after a half-century of iron-fisted rule by the Assad family.

"Syria has transformed from an exporter of crisis to an opportunity for peace," Sharaa said in an address.

But he warned that Israel, which has repeatedly attacked its historic rival since the fall of Assad, was damaging the new S

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