Media: Israel fears Turkish influence in Syria, pushes for continued Russian presence

Israel is reportedly lobbying the United States to keep Syria weak and decentralized, including allowing Russia to maintain its military bases there.

The lobbying effort is driven by Israel's concerns over Türkiye 's growing influence in Syria, particularly after the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Israel views the new Islamist leadership in Syria, supported by Türkiye, as a potential threat to its borders, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Israel has expressed its concerns to top US officials during meetings in Washington and Israel, where the lobbying efforts have focused on ensuring that Russia retains control over its military bases in Syria. The bases in question are located in Tartus and Latakia provinces, with Russia’s Mediterranean naval base in Tartus and its air base at Hmeimim in Latakia. Israel sees this as a way to counter Türkiye’s increasing involvement in the region.

"Israel's big fear is that Türkiye comes in and protects this new Syrian Islamist order, which then ends up being a base for Hamas and other militants," said Aron Lund, a fellow at the US-based think tank Century International.

Israeli officials have conveyed similar messages during high-level discussions with US representatives, highlighting that the situation in Syria could pose significant security risks for Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been vocal about the presence of Islamist factions, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), in southern Syria, and has demanded that the region be demilitarized. Netanyahu’s government has also carried out airstrikes in Syria, focusing on military sites in the area. Israel is especially concerned about the role of Türkiye, a NATO member, and its support for Syria's new Islamist rulers, who may potentially align with groups hostile to Israel.

Israeli officials are also worried that Türkiye's influence might embolden Islamist factions in Syria, leading to the establishment of a base for militant groups like Hamas. They believe that Russia’s continued presence could act as a counterbalance to Turkish ambitions in the region.

While the US has not yet responded directly to Israel’s lobbying efforts, the sources suggest that Israel’s approach contrasts with other US-allied countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, which has been in talks to lift sanctions on Syria. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has taken steps to hedge against US policy shifts and protect Turkish interests in Syria.

By Vafa Guliyeva