US cries foul as Israel bombs Turkey-linked airbase in Syria

On Tuesday, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting the Abu al-Duhur Airbase in Syria, an installation that Turkish officials had been assisting in renovation. The attack, which damaged an airstrip and a storage facility, caused no casualties. The strike marked another step in Israel's ongoing efforts to counter perceived threats from Turkey's expanding influence within Syria. The bombing drew immediate condemnation from U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump and current envoy to Syria. Barrack criticized the action on social media, stating that it constituted an unnecessary escalation that undermines regional stability. He noted that Syria has consistently expressed a desire for de-escalation with Israel, highlighting a growing rift between the U.S. and Israel over their approaches to conflict resolution in the region. This incident underscores deepening tensions between the United States and Israel, particularly regarding their differing strategies in dealing with Turkey's involvement in Syria. While the Trump administration has pursued improved relations with the post-Assad Syrian government, Israel has remained wary of Turkish influence. This divergence has become especially pronounced since the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024. Trump has taken steps to mend ties with Syria, lifting most sanctions and cultivating a rapport with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former militant who later renounced extremism. In contrast, Israel has maintained a cautious approach toward the new Syrian leadership, fearing that remnants of the old regime might gain access to weapons systems. Following the ousting of Assad, Israeli forces moved into parts of southern Syria and carried out airstrikes to neutralize former government assets. Turkey has emerged as a critical player in the evolving dynamics of Syria. Since the late 2010s, Ankara has supported al-Sharaa, whose militia once controlled areas around Idlib. As Turkish influence grew, Israeli leaders began viewing Ankara as a potential rival akin to Iran, posing a challenge to Israel's strategic interests in the region. Despite mounting concerns, Israel has thus far avoided direct confrontation with Turkey, although it has come close on multiple occasions. In April 2025, Israeli strikes targeted sites in Syria that Turkey had identified for possible troop deployment, according to reports from Reuters. These actions suggest a delicate balance between deterrence and diplomacy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has increasingly pressed Trump to support a stronger Israeli military presence in Syria, arguing that Turkey's expansion threatens regional security. During a recent meeting on Iran, Netanyahu presented Trump with a map illustrating Turkey's purported occupation of 5% of Syrian territory, compared to Israel's minimal footprint. However, Turkey operates under the tacit approval of the Syrian government, unlike Israel, which lacks such authorization. Recent reports indicate that Israeli officials sought Trump's approval for an attack on a Turkish military site in Syria several weeks prior to Tuesday's strikes. The request was denied, leaving the connection between the two incidents uncertain. Despite these efforts, Netanyahu's appeals have not yielded the desired outcome from the White House. Syria’s government issued a formal statement condemning the attack, describing it as a dangerous escalation that endangers regional security. The Syrian authorities called upon the United Nations Security Council to clearly denounce the assault and adopt a firm stance against Israel's alleged violations of Syrian sovereignty. The situation continues to evolve, with implications for international relations and regional stability.