Yair Golan Criticizes Netanyahu Over Risky Israeli Airstrike in Syria Near Turkish Border

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Camp party, sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday evening for the recent Israeli airstrike on the Abu al-Duhur airbase in northwestern Syria near the Turkish border. Golan described the attack as a provocative and dangerous move that risks escalating conflict with Turkey and deepens rifts with Israel's allies, especially the United States. He accused Netanyahu of using military force for political survival rather than genuine security needs, stating, "Israel needs leadership that uses power to achieve security, not to create more wars for political survival."

The Israeli strike occurred overnight between Monday and Tuesday, targeting the airbase which had been inactive for over a decade but recently underwent reconstruction. Syrian media reported at least eight strikes on the runway and facilities, with no casualties. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed Israel's responsibility, claiming the strike aimed to prevent Syria from allowing Turkish forces to deploy at the base, which would threaten Israel's security status quo. Syrian sources noted a Turkish delegation visited the base hours before the attack to inspect the renovations.

Turkey, a key supporter of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, has expanded military cooperation with Damascus since the fall of the Assad regime. Israel closely monitors Turkey's growing influence and potential military presence in Syria. Ankara rejected Israel's allegations, accusing Netanyahu of using the strike to justify violations of Syrian sovereignty and linking the attack to Israel's election campaign, calling it a destabilizing political move.

Relations between Israel and Turkey have deteriorated significantly in recent years due to conflicts in Gaza and competing interests in Syria. Despite a coordination mechanism to prevent clashes between their militaries in Syria, the recent strike highlighted persistent tensions. Washington also criticized the attack; U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrett called it an "unnecessary escalation" that undermines regional stability. He noted Turkey was not warned in advance, raising risks of dangerous military confrontations between two U.S. allies.

Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir visited the 210th Division operating in Syria, sending a message to Damascus and Ankara. Zamir emphasized Israel's commitment to preventing hostile forces from establishing themselves near its borders and its readiness to use precise military power when necessary. He highlighted the creation of a forward defense zone in Syria to protect Israeli communities and prevent the emergence of significant military threats along Israel's borders. Zamir's visit and the airstrike together conveyed Israel's firm stance against any attempts to entrench hostile forces in Syria.