Israeli Security Officials Warn of Turkey's Growing Military Presence in Syria

Israeli security officials have expressed concern over Turkey's increasing involvement in Syria, describing Ankara's deeper military engagement as a matter of time. According to a security source, Turkey is actively participating in building the new Syrian army, establishing military infrastructure, and advancing its interests within Syria. This development is viewed as complex and significant due to Syria's strategic weapons and its proximity to Israel's northern border.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue to maintain forces in the buffer zone and the Mount Hermon area as part of preparations for evolving conditions across the border. The primary worry is not immediate events but the trajectory of the new Syrian state, which has seen gradual institution-building and military strengthening over the past year and a half. Israeli officials monitor developments in Damascus closely, noting that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is cautious to avoid provoking harsh international reactions by moderating actions against minority groups.

Nonetheless, Israel points to ongoing repression of minorities, restrictions on religious freedom and movement, and economic pressures on regions such as the Druze Mountain. The security source emphasized that Syria is currently focused on military buildup before state consolidation, raising questions about the nature of the future regime on Israel's northern border.

Israeli concerns also include the potential emergence of an Islamist Sunni state with a significant military force that could threaten Israel. While the international community highlights Syria's unity and reconstruction, Israeli officials warn that the reality is more complex, with continued minority oppression and the presence of hostile actors like Hezbollah. Israel regards Syria as an enemy state and stresses the importance of understanding who will influence Syria and what military capabilities will be established there in the coming years.