Israel and Turkey step up warnings over Syria after airbase bombing

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned Turkey against getting involved in dangerous military activities in Syria. This came after Israel launched airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhar air base in Syria, alleging that Turkish troops were planning to deploy there. The Israeli government maintains that it will not tolerate any entity threatening its security.

Turkey's Defense Ministry refuted these claims, asserting that there was no military presence at the Syrian air base. The ministry vowed to continue supporting Syria's efforts to bolster its infrastructure and military capabilities, and criticized the Israeli actions as unacceptable and threatening to regional peace and stability.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously warned Syria against permitting a Turkish presence at the air base. When asked about the apparent misunderstanding of the Israeli message, Netanyahu stated that the Turks did not fully grasp the warnings.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani dismissed Israel's bombing as having no legitimate justification. He clarified that there were no plans for a Turkish base or military presence at the site, which he described as largely empty and currently under restoration for use by the Syrian Air Force. Al-Shaibani acknowledged that Turkish military officers had visited the base in the days leading up to the Israeli strike, but maintained that the visits were for ongoing military cooperation in training and expertise exchange.

The Israeli strikes on Syria this week occur amidst heightened tensions between Turkey and Israel. The two nations established a communication line last year to prevent incidents in Syria, where both countries have active military forces. Israel frequently conducts airstrikes in Syria since Assad's overthrow in 2024, citing concerns over the militant background of the new Syrian rulers.

Turkey has maintained a military presence in northern and eastern Syria for years and is a key ally to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Both Turkey and Israel are also at odds over the war in Gaza.

Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani indicated that Syria remains open to negotiations with Israel on de-escalation but stressed that any future deal must address security concerns on both sides and respect Syrian sovereignty.