Israel struck Syria to prevent Turkey from establishing in the country, fmr. IDF Navy chief says

Former Israel Navy commander V.-Adm. Eliezer Chiney Marom stated on a 103FM interview that Israel's recent strike in Syria was aimed at preventing Turkey from establishing itself in the country. Marom, now a senior researcher at the Begin-Sadat Center, discussed tensions with Turkey and mounting US pressure on Iran during the interview.

He said that the Americans were aware of the Israeli strike in Syria and that a condemnation was a way of telling Israel to be quiet. Marom also mentioned that Iran's presence in Syria had significantly decreased, which is a positive development. He warned that Turkey's entry into the gap created by Iran's departure could lead to regional escalation and emphasized that Israel would not allow Turkey to control Syria.

Marom believed that Turkey's membership in NATO, its desire to join the European Union, and its struggling economy would prevent a direct confrontation with Israel. Regarding nuclear material in Syria, Marom dismissed concerns as the material was likely mined minerals and not dangerous. He also noted that US pressure on Iran was shifting from military to economic measures, aiming to choke the Iranian economy.

Marom stated that Tehran would eventually need to respond to the pressure, either by returning to negotiations or by taking aggressive actions. Lastly, he commented on US President Donald Trump's shifting statements, highlighting that Iran faced a difficult situation and Trump's recent focus on controlling the Strait of Hormuz signaled a message of no control for Iran.