Israel Seeks To Maintain Russian Military Bases in Syria to Counter Turkey’s Influence
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Israel is urging the U.S. to keep Syria fragmented, including allowing Russia to maintain military bases to counter Turkey’s growing influence, Reuters reported.
Israeli officials have warned Washington that Syria’s new Islamist rulers, who ousted pro-Russian Bashar al-Assad, could threaten Israel’s borders if supported by Turkey, according to Reuters, citing four sources.
“Israel’s biggest fear is that Turkey will intervene to protect the new Islamist regime in Syria, which would then become a base for Hamas and other militants,” said Aron Lund, a fellow at the US-based Century International research institute.
To curb Turkey’s influence, Israeli officials urged U.S. counterparts to allow Russia to retain its naval base in Syria’s Tartus and its Khmeimim air base in Latakia, a move that surprised some U.S. officials, the report said.
As tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky escalated to unprecedented levels on Friday, Israel is quietly reassessing its strategic partnerships.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent his military secretary, Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman, to Moscow for security and diplomatic talks aimed at enhancing cooperation and protecting Israel’s strategic interests, according to Ynet News.
A key goal of the Moscow meetings was to urge Russia to pressure Hamas to advance negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages, including Maxim Herkin, a dual Israeli-Russian citizen.
Israel’s position on Syria is clear: it favors Russian influence over Turkey’s growing presence and is actively working to limit Ankara’s role.
Recent reports suggest that Russia is close to a deal with Syria to maintain a reduced military presence in exchange for supporting Damascus in its fight against the Islamic State, which remains active in eastern Syria.
This move aligns with President Putin’s goal of retaining a military foothold in the country following the fall of the Assad regime, with Moscow nearing an agreement to keep personnel and equipment in Syria, sources told Bloomberg News.
Meanwhile, as several strikes occurred near Damascus yesterday, attributed to Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, “Israel will not tolerate the presence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham or any other force affiliated with the new regime in southern Syria and demands that the area be demilitarized.”
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