Mossad Chief Talks With Syrian Foreign Minister Days Before Israeli Strike on Turkish Forces

Roman Gofman, head of Israel's Mossad, held a phone conversation with Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaybani four days prior to an Israeli airstrike on a Syrian military airbase. According to Reuters, their discussion focused on the Turkish military presence in Syria. The Israeli strike targeted the Abu al-Duhur military airport near Aleppo, specifically hitting a runway, amid concerns over Turkey's planned deployment of forces at the base.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the strike, stating Israel would not tolerate a Turkish military foothold in Syria threatening Israeli security. He emphasized Israel's clear warnings with the message "Don’t," adding that Israel ensured the message was understood after it was apparently ignored. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed Israel's responsibility for the attack, explaining it was carried out to prevent Turkish forces from establishing themselves at the airbase.

Israel and Syria had previously agreed to maintain a security status quo, which Israel claims Syria violated by permitting Turkish troop deployment near Aleppo. Israel warned Syria repeatedly that such a deployment would threaten its security, but Syria allegedly disregarded these warnings. The strike reflects Israel's ongoing efforts to prevent hostile military build-ups near its borders involving third-party forces like Turkey.