Israeli strike on Syrian airfield could have been pre-election ploy, US envoy Barrack says

Tom Barrack, US President Donald Trump's special envoy to Syria, has suggested that Israel may have used a strike on a Syrian military airfield in eastern Idlib as a pre-election strategy. In an interview, Mr Barrack stated that despite ongoing diplomatic communication through a backchannel, Israel launched the attack on a runway at Abu Al Duhur military airfield despite the potential implications.

One theory proposes that Israel may have been attempting to provoke Turkey, a move that could be seen as aggressive but well-received prior to the Israeli general election on October 27. Barrack emphasized that these were theories, not definitive conclusions. The strike almost led to a conflict between Israel and Turkey, with many, including Trump, unaware of the potential for an escalation.

According to Barrack, Israeli intelligence suggested a possible Turkish troop movement towards the airfield, a claim dismissed by the Turkish presidency as "untenable." The US assessment was that no such troop movement had occurred. Despite the lack of evidence, Israel proceeded with the attack following orders from an Israeli commander.

The lack of communication between Israeli intelligence and the military may have contributed to the situation. Israel aimed to maintain a clear line of sight to Iran, fearing the risk posed by defensive or offensive capabilities. Barrack stressed that the situation could have escalated quickly if Turkish military jets had crossed the Syrian border without understanding the reason.