Netanyahu Confirms Israeli Airstrike in Syria Over Security Threat

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially acknowledged Israel's recent airstrike on a military base in northwestern Syria. According to Netanyahu, Syria violated the established security status quo by allowing Turkish forces to deploy at an airbase near Aleppo, posing a direct threat to Israel's security. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel repeatedly warned Syria against such deployments and will not tolerate threats to its safety.

The Prime Minister's office released a statement in English confirming the strike and highlighting that Israel and Syria had previously agreed to maintain the security status quo. The statement noted that Syria's decision to permit Turkish military presence breached this agreement, prompting Israel's response. Netanyahu called for a return to the status quo to avoid further escalations.

Prior to Israel's official admission, U.S. envoy for Syria and Lebanon Tom Barrett criticized Israel's strike, arguing that Israel should have informed Turkey beforehand. Barrett warned that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could have launched a counterattack against Israeli aircraft, increasing regional tensions. The incident underscores the complex security dynamics involving Israel, Syria, and Turkey in the region.