Syria Signals Restraint to Avoid Escalation After Israeli Airstrike on Abu al-Duhur Airbase

Following Israel's official acknowledgment of an airstrike on the Abu al-Duhur military airport in Syria on August 18, Damascus has indicated a deliberate policy of restraint to prevent escalation. A source close to the Syrian government told N12 that the new Syrian administration aims to avoid any military retaliation that could disrupt its political stability, emphasizing that the government’s priority is to protect its rule. The source added that Syria seeks to reach security understandings with Israel to stabilize the situation, warning that any military response could lead to prolonged escalation.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry denied the existence of any formal security agreement with Israel but stressed its desire for stability. A diplomatic source clarified to Al Jazeera that Syria rejects claims of a security arrangement and condemned the Israeli strike, noting Israel attacked despite intelligence indicating no foreign forces were present at the base. The strike damaged four runways and critical infrastructure at the airbase in Idlib province, occurring amid reconstruction efforts involving Turkey and shortly after Syrian air force exercises in northern Syria.

Syrian journalist Rassan Ibrahim, based in London, suggested the Israeli attack serves internal political purposes in Israel, particularly related to upcoming elections, rather than a serious military objective. He argued that the strike targeted an outdated airbase and ultimately harms Israel’s interests more than Syria’s. Meanwhile, the Israeli Chief of Staff visited troops stationed in Syria amid the heightened tensions. Damascus also seeks to avoid being seen as aligned solely with Turkey and prefers Israel to bear the diplomatic burden of explaining the strikes to Washington and Ankara.

Despite Syria’s current restraint, officials warn there are limits to their patience. The Syrian government wants to keep diplomatic channels open to avoid war and gain advantages without conflict, but it remains cautious about any actions that could undermine its military and civilian institutions.