Mossad Director and Syrian Foreign Minister Discuss Turkish Military Presence Before Israeli Airstrikes

Prior to the Israeli airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur military airfield in Syria's Idlib province on August 18, 2026, the head of Mossad engaged in direct discussions with Syria's foreign minister regarding Turkish military activities at the site. Despite these diplomatic efforts, Israel proceeded with the strikes, which were framed by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office as a necessary response to Syria's impending violation of a security arrangement, specifically Turkey's plans to station troops at the airfield.

The Abu al-Duhur airfield, located approximately 200 kilometers from Israel's northern border, has been a focal point in the ongoing geopolitical shifts following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024. The new Syrian leadership, supported by Turkey, has been working to rebuild state institutions, including the military. A recent visit by a Turkish military delegation to assess the airfield for rehabilitation raised concerns in Israel about the establishment of a permanent Turkish military presence, a claim Turkey has denied.

U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, criticized the Israeli strikes as an unnecessary escalation, warning that such actions could lead to direct military confrontation with Turkey, a NATO ally. The evolving dynamics in Syria, particularly with Turkey's influence over the new government in Damascus, underscore the complexities of the region's security landscape. Barrack's comments also highlight the limits of American tolerance for escalatory actions in the context of ongoing U.S. military presence in northeastern Syria.

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Source: KLEA News