Israel Seeks to Counter Turkey’s Growing Influence in Syria
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently dispatched his military secretary, Roman Gofman, to Moscow for high-level talks.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Israel is increasingly concerned about Turkey's expanding influence in Syria and is working to strengthen its military and political coordination with Russia to establish limits on Ankara’s presence in the war-torn country, according to Israeli media reports.
Israeli Diplomatic Efforts in Moscow
The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently dispatched his military secretary, Roman Gofman, to Moscow for high-level talks.
Gofman, regarded as one of Netanyahu’s closest advisors, has reportedly overseen several Israeli covert operations. His visit to Moscow was aimed at arranging diplomatic and political meetings between Netanyahu and senior Russian officials to "protect Israel’s interests, enhance coordination, and strengthen ties between Moscow and Tel Aviv."
Israeli sources told the newspaper that Tel Aviv is determined to prevent further Turkish entrenchment in Syria, stating, "Israel is concerned about Turkey’s growing influence and seeks to set clear boundaries through enhanced military and political engagement with Russia. It would be preferable for Moscow to maintain control over Damascus rather than Turkey."
Israel Alarmed by Turkish Military Expansion in Syria
Reports indicate that Turkey is planning to establish new military bases in territories under the control of Syria’s new administration, led by Ahmed Sharaa. Additionally, Ankara is training and equipping armed groups while seeking to secure Syrian airspace against aerial attacks.
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, Israeli officials view these moves as a direct threat to their national security, fearing that Turkey’s influence in Syria could undermine Israel’s regional stability.
Meanwhile, Reuters, reported that Israel has urged the United States to allow Syria to remain weakened while enabling Russia to maintain its military presence there. Israeli officials argue that this strategy is necessary to counter Turkey’s growing influence, particularly as Ankara pushes for a security partnership with Syria’s new leadership.
Netanyahu Criticizes Syria’s New Leadership
On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled Syria’s new government under Ahmed Sharaa as "radical" and emphasized the need to protect the country’s Druze community.
"If the Druze in Syria are attacked, we will respond and will not remain silent," Netanyahu stated, reinforcing Israel’s stance on defending Druze populations in the region.
Read More: Clashes in Jaramana Between Security Forces and Druze Amid Rising Tensions
He further stressed that Israel is committed to ensuring the safety of residents in Jaramana, a predominantly Druze and Christian suburb of Damascus.
