Netanyahu warns Turkey against expanding military presence in Syria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning to Turkey, stating that Israel will not tolerate the expansion of Turkish military presence further south into Syria. Netanyahu announced the establishment of a security zone in Syria to prevent what he described as a potential ‘jihadist invasion’ from the region.

To enforce this red line, Israel conducted airstrikes against the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in northwestern Syria. Netanyahu characterized these strikes as a way to deliver a message through ‘kinetic means’ after previous warnings to Ankara and Damascus were allegedly ignored. The strikes targeted the base's facilities and runway.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel had communicated its position to Turkey, the Syrian authorities, and via the United States. He stated, ‘I do not want to see Turkey coming south,’ and maintained that Israeli forces will remain in Syria to ensure regional security and prevent the violation of established security protocols.