Israel's Syria strikes expose Ankara-Tel Aviv rift over military bases
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Israel's August 18 strike on the Abu Zuhur base in Syria signals a new phase, targeting a site 70 km from the Turkish border. Ankara rejected Israel's justification that it will not allow Turkish military deployment as a 'frivolous claim'. The strike has intensified a dispute over Syria's sovereignty and the future of its military infrastructure.
Key Facts
- Israel struck the Abu Zuhur base in Syria on August 18, located 70 km from the Turkish border.
- Ankara dismissed Israel's justification that it will not allow Turkish military deployment as a 'frivolous claim'.
- A Syrian official said a Turkish delegation visited the base before the Israeli strike.
- US Ambassador Tom Barrack stated Turkey was not warned in advance about the Israeli strike.
- The US is proposing a trilateral conflict prevention mechanism involving Turkey, Israel, and Syria.
The Abu Zuhur Strike
Israel's August 18 strike on the Abu Zuhur base marks a new phase, as it targeted a site 70 km from the Turkish border. Israel had previously struck other bases three times, but this strike was notable for its northern direction. Israel justified the attacks by stating it will not allow Turkish military deployment. Ankara rejected this justification as a 'frivolous claim', arguing it is an attempt to legitimize attacks on Syria's sovereignty.
Damascus's Position
A Syrian official said a Turkish delegation visited the base before the Israeli strike, indicating a dual stance in Damascus. The Damascus administration is known to want the reactivation of bases and military airports. Whether Turkey will undertake this reactivation is a decision for Damascus, but Israel's strikes to prevent Turkish military deployment are a violation of sovereignty under international law. This situation is linked to Sharaa's predicament in the US-Israel-Turkey triangle.
US Mediation Efforts
US Ambassador Tom Barrack stated Turkey was not warned in advance about the Israeli strike. Turkey and Israel had reached an agreement last year in Azerbaijan that included notification of military steps. The US is now proposing a trilateral conflict prevention mechanism involving Turkey, Israel, and Syria. The core question is whether the US wants Syria's sovereignty or the division of Syria into Turkish and Israeli spheres of influence after removing Iranian influence.
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Israel's Syria strikes expose Ankara-Tel Aviv rift over military bases
