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Israel report highlights elevated Turkish threat in Syria following regime fall

December 27, 2024 at 10:34 am

An aerial view from Manbij, as daily life continues after being liberated from terrorism in Manjib, Syria on December 21, 2024 [Mustafa Bathiş – Anadolu Agency]

A recent Israeli report has raised alarms about the escalating threat posed by Turkiye in Syria, particularly concerning the future of the Kurdish autonomous administration in northeastern Syria after the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime.

The report, published by the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University yesterday, underscores that this evolving situation presents “dilemmas” for Israel.

The first dilemma centres on the continued presence of American forces — approximately 2,000 troops — who are currently supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), predominantly led by Kurdish factions.

The report emphasises Israel’s vested interest in maintaining US military presence in Syria to effectively “cut off the land bridge” between Iran and Lebanon. It also highlights American commitments to maintaining Congressional support for Kurdish self-administration.

However, past discussions during President Donald Trump’s administration suggested a possible withdrawal of US forces from Syria; though pressure from various stakeholders, including Pentagon officials, thwarted those plans.

The report suggests that while Israel possesses a “limited interest” regarding northeastern Syria itself, it holds greater stakes “in securing its borders against hostile elements and preventing arms shipments from Iran through Syrian territory en route to Hezbollah militants.”

It warns that any substantial assistance required by the SDF could be perceived as violating Turkish interests, placing Israeli support at risk of escalating tensions with Ankara.

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