Israel blames Turkey after strike on Syrian airbase

DAMASCUS: Israel blamed Turkey for escalating tensions by preparing to deploy troops at a Syrian airbase, which was targeted in a strike condemned by the United States. This marks a significant breach of the status quo in security matters between Israel and Syria. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office claimed that Syria had been on the verge of allowing Turkish troops to deploy at the airbase near Aleppo, a violation of their agreement.

Israel had repeatedly warned Syria of the potential threat this deployment would pose to its security. While Turkey is the first Muslim-majority nation to recognize Israel and is a NATO ally of the US, the two nations have tense relations, particularly due to Erdogan's political Islam roots and his vocal denunciation of Israel. US envoy for Syria Tom Barrack confirmed that Israel carried out the strikes on the Abu Duhur airbase in Idlib province, stating that the attacks constitute an unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability.

Israel has launched hundreds of strikes on Syria since the December 2024 overthrow of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad by Islamist forces, some of which have sent troops into a UN-patrolled buffer zone and conducted regular incursions into Syrian territory. Despite occasional direct talks, tensions between the two neighbors remain high, with Israel planning to keep troops in Syria despite Syrian foreign minister Asaad al-Shaibani demanding an unconditional withdrawal.