Mossad Chief and Syrian Foreign Minister held talks before Israeli airstrikes

The head of Israel’s Mossad, Roman Gofman, held a telephone conversation with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani on August 14. The discussion reportedly focused on Turkey’s expanding military presence in Syria, including inquiries regarding arms sales and the provision of drones.

This high-level contact occurred just days before Israel conducted airstrikes on the Abu al-Zuhur air base in the Idlib countryside on Tuesday. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated the strikes were a response to Syria’s decision to allow Turkish troop deployment near Aleppo, which Israel views as a breach of a security status quo and a direct threat to its security.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will not tolerate a Turkish military presence in Syria that threatens its safety. Reports indicate the airstrikes caused material damage to the air base runway but resulted in no reported casualties.