Israel has ramped up its efforts to curb Turkey’s growing influence in Syria, turning to Russia for military and political support. In an effort to safeguard its interests in the region, Israel is deepening its coordination with Moscow, hoping to limit Ankara’s expanding presence in the war-torn country.
Israeli Diplomatic Push in Moscow
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently sent his military secretary, Roman Gofman, to Moscow for high-level discussions. Gofman, a trusted advisor to Netanyahu and key figure in overseeing covert Israeli operations, was tasked with arranging direct talks between Israeli and Russian officials. The goal is to strengthen ties between Tel Aviv and Moscow while ensuring that Israel’s regional interests are protected.
Sources suggest that Israel’s primary concern is preventing Turkey from deepening its influence in Syria, with a preference for Moscow retaining control over Damascus instead of Ankara.
Israel Alarmed by Turkish Military Expansion
Reports indicate that Turkey plans to establish new military bases in regions controlled by Syria’s new administration, led by Ahmed Sharaa, and is also training armed groups to bolster its presence. Israel views these developments as a potential threat to its national security, particularly as Turkey seeks to secure Syrian airspace and enhance its strategic positioning in the region.
Strategic Coordination with the U.S. and Russia
In response, Israel has reportedly urged the United States to allow Syria to remain weakened, while Russia maintains its military presence in the country. Israeli officials argue that this strategy would be essential to counter Turkey’s growing influence and its attempts to forge a security partnership with Syria’s new leadership.
As Turkey continues its military expansion, Israel is positioning itself diplomatically to ensure that its regional stability is not undermined by Ankara’s influence in Syria.