Turkey accuses Netanyahu of pursuing ‘expansionist’ policies after Israeli strike on Syrian airbase

Описание: The Turkish government has issued a strong condemnation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of advancing “expansionist and destabilizing policies” following Israeli airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Syria earlier this week. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office subsequently claimed responsibility for the strike, defending it on the grounds that Syrian authorities were close to violating a security arrangement by permitting the deployment of Turkish forces from the facility, located near Aleppo. The Israeli statement emphasized repeated warnings to Syria regarding the security risks posed by such a deployment, insisting that Israel could not accept threats to its national security and expressing a preference for restoring the previous status quo.

In response, Turkish officials labeled Israel’s justifications as “untenable,” asserting that the statements were an attempt to legitimize actions undermining Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Turkish government further alleged that these accusations stem from Netanyahu’s broader regional ambitions and the pursuit of policies destabilizing the Middle East, particularly in the context of Israel’s forthcoming elections. Turkish authorities reiterated their support for a durable peace, underscoring the necessity of adherence to international law and the cessation of aggressive practices as prerequisites for regional stability. Additionally, Turkey affirmed its continued readiness to cooperate with the Syrian government on legitimate grounds to advance peace, stability, and prosperity in Syria, while stressing its opposition to any efforts to destabilize the country.

The airstrike, which resulted in material damage without causing casualties, was also met with disapproval from U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack. Despite reports that Israel had shared critical intelligence with the United States prior to the attack, Ambassador Barrack expressed concern that the strikes marked an unwarranted escalation, not conducive to regional security. He further noted that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, in contrast to previous leadership, has demonstrated an inclination toward de-escalation and has not engaged in activities threatening Israel directly. Ambassador Barrack, in his capacity as the U.S. special envoy for Syria, reported ongoing efforts to establish a deconfliction mechanism to reduce tensions among Israel, Turkey, and Syria.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed office in January 2025 after leading the successful ouster of Bashar al-Assad, has generally expressed interest in stability and rebuilding, with U.S. President Donald Trump subsequently lifting broad economic sanctions on Syria as a sign of support. Turkey, having played a role in the retraining of Syrian military forces, continues to accuse Israel of undermining efforts to reconstruct and stabilize the region following Assad’s removal from power.

Since the December 2024 leadership transition in Syria, Israel has carried out multiple strikes on Syrian territory, aimed principally at limiting the military capacities of the new government in areas proximate to Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu has reiterated his position that the region south of Damascus should remain demilitarized, with particular attention also given to the welfare of the Druze community, a religious and ethnic minority in Syria.

This account draws on information disseminated by official government sources and media outlets, including the Associated Press and Reuters.

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