Israel reportedly pushes US to keep Syria weak, cites concerns over Türkiye’s influence
A view of Israeli military vehicles patrolling the Syrian-Israeli border in the Majdal Shams area of the Golan Heights, as the Israeli army reinforces its ground forces amid ongoing military mobilization in the region on December 15, 2024. (AA Photo)
Israel is reportedly lobbying the United States to ensure Syria remains weak and decentralized, including allowing Russia to retain its military bases there to counter Türkiye’s growing influence, according to sources who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity due to diplomatic sensitivities.
Israeli officials reportedly communicated their stance to top U.S. officials during meetings in Washington in February and further discussions in Israel with U.S. Congressional representatives.
Israel has publicly voiced its distrust of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that led the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party’s regime, which had been in power since 1963. The following day, al-Sharaa, the leader of the new Syrian administration, appointed on Jan. 29, tasked Mohammed Al-Bashir with forming a government to oversee Syria’s transitional period
Following Assad’s ouster, Israel launched airstrikes on Syrian military bases and deployed forces into a U.N.-monitored demilitarized zone within Syria. Earlier this week, Israeli airstrikes targeted military sites south of Damascus.
Türkiye’s continued support for new Syrian administration
Türkiye has repeatedly reaffirmed its desire for a stable Syria that poses no threat to its neighbors. It has condemned Israel’s actions in southern Syria, emphasizing Israel of expansionist policies and emphasizing that Israel does not want peace in the region.
Most recently, on Türkiye’s stance regarding the Syrian opposition, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated Ankara’s long-standing support.
“From the beginning, Türkiye has backed the opposition. This support has become even more crucial given that millions of Syrians have fled to Türkiye due to the war,” he explained.
Fidan said that during the Assad regime, Syria became a threat to its region and everyone, and “Now, the way to get rid of this is to have a government that addresses all of Syria, preserves Syria’s territorial integrity, and is at peace with the Syrian people—one that originates from the Syrian people and that serves Syria’s interests.”
