Syria Signals Restraint to Avoid Escalation After Israeli Airstrike on Military Airport

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 further 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. The source emphasized that Syria seeks to reach a security understanding with Israel, viewing any military response as potentially leading to prolonged conflict.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry denied the existence of any formal security agreement with Israel but stressed its desire for regional stability. A diplomatic source clarified that Syria rejects any deal that would undermine its civilian and military institutions. Meanwhile, Syrian journalist Rasan Ibrahim, based in London, suggested the Israeli strike was politically motivated to influence internal Israeli politics ahead of elections, rather than a serious military operation.

The Israeli airstrike reportedly involved two aircraft entering Syrian airspace from Lebanon, targeting Abu al-Duhur airport in Idlib province. The attack damaged four runways and caused significant infrastructure destruction. This occurred amid ongoing reconstruction efforts involving Turkey and shortly after Syrian air force exercises in northern Syria.

Despite the damage, Damascus prefers to avoid being seen as escalating tensions and aims to keep diplomatic channels open. The Syrian government hopes Israel will bear the burden of explaining the strikes to Washington and Ankara, rather than Syria being blamed for escalation. On the same day, the Israeli Chief of Staff visited troops stationed in Syria amid the heightened tensions.

Syria's approach reflects a strategic calculation to maintain internal stability and avoid a military spiral, while leaving room for future negotiations with Israel.