Israeli media: Israel warns Washington of Turkiye's role in Syria

Tel Aviv warned Washington of Turkiye’s role in Syria and called on it to pressure Ankara to prevent the formation of anti-Israel organisations in Syria.

Israeli officials expressed their concerns about the new Syrian authorities in Damascus, which are supported by Turkiye, indicating that the new authorities may pose a threat to the occupation state’s borders.

Israel Hayom newspaper quoted Israeli sources as saying: “As relations between Israel and Turkey deteriorate over the war in Gaza, Jerusalem is increasingly concerned about Ankara’s influence on Syria’s new Islamist leadership.”

The newspaper added, “Israel is pressuring the United States to ensure Syria remains weak and fragmented.”

“The lobbying efforts indicate a coordinated Israeli campaign to influence US policy at a critical juncture for Syria, as the Islamists who ousted Bashar Al-Assad seek to stabilize the fractured country and persuade Washington to lift crippling sanctions,” the newspaper explained.

Aaron Lund, a fellow at the US-based Century International research institute said: “Israel’s biggest fear is that Turkey will intervene to protect the new Islamist regime in Syria, which would then become a base for Hamas and other militants.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last month that occupation forces would remain in southern Syria for the foreseeable future, adding this week that Tel Aviv will not allow Syrian army forces to be positioned south of Damascus.

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