US working on 'deconfliction mechanism' between Turkey, Syria and Israel, says Barrack

US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack stated that the US is working on establishing a deconfliction mechanism between Turkey, Syria, and Israel following Israel's recent airstrikes on a Syrian airbase near the Turkish border. Barrack expressed deep concern over the Israeli strikes, calling them "unnecessary". Turkey had not been informed about the strikes, and therefore could have reasonably prepared its own response, according to Barrack.

He attributed the perceived threat to Turkey's potential increased presence at the Syrian airbase to Israel's actions. Barrack emphasized the need for a robust mechanism to reduce tensions and prevent future miscommunication among the three parties, focusing on de-escalating the situation between Turkey and Israel. The hostility between Turkey and Israel has been escalating, with Syria serving as a focal point for their increasingly pointed rhetoric.

Turkey condemned the strikes and rejected Israel's claims of Turkey sending troops to an airbase near Aleppo, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of pursuing expansionist and destabilizing policies in the region. Since the fall of President Bashar Al Assad in December 2024, Israel has expanded its attacks on Syria, moving into a demilitarized zone in southern Syria and launching strikes on Syrian government infrastructure.

Syria has condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of international law. Israel is also seeking to counter what it perceives as growing Turkish influence in Syria, and Syria has indicated a willingness to reach a security agreement with Israel. Barrack noted that a more robust deconfliction mechanism could be more cost-effective than relying on military force.