Israel rejects Turkish military base plans in Syria

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has declared the establishment of Turkish military bases in Syria a ‘red line,’ stating that Israel will not accept any external strategic positioning that threatens its security or the Golan Heights. This stance comes amid shifting alliances in Syria following the collapse of the previous regime in December 2024, as Turkey expands its logistical presence in the north and east of the country.

Intelligence reports suggest that Israeli airstrikes, including a strike on the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Idlib last August, were intended to disrupt Turkish efforts to establish a permanent military presence. Israel expressed concerns that Turkish expansion could restrict the freedom of movement for the Israeli Air Force, which has frequently targeted Iranian-linked assets in the region.

Separately, U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted Syria’s growing importance as a strategic alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that large oil shipments are increasingly moving overland from Iraq through Syria toward the Mediterranean. This shift includes potential projects to rehabilitate pipelines, such as the Kirkuk–Baniyas line, which could provide a vital energy export route that bypasses maritime chokepoints.