Mossad Chief Talks With Syrian Foreign Minister Days Before Israeli Strike Amid Turkish Military Concerns

Four days before an unusual Israeli airstrike in Syria, Mossad Chief Ronen Gofman held a rare conversation with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, discussing Turkey's military presence in Syria, according to Reuters sources. This marked the first known direct contact between the two officials. Concurrently, Israeli officials warned their Syrian counterparts about Turkey's intentions to expand its military footprint in Syria, emphasizing that such moves would violate the status quo.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explicitly addressed the message behind the strike, stating Israel would not tolerate a Turkish military establishment threatening its security. "We made the message clear: Don't," Netanyahu said, adding that Israel ensured the warning was unmistakably understood. The Israeli government had anticipated Turkey's plans for a significant permanent military presence and initially sought to deter it through diplomatic warnings.

The strike and its implications sparked sharp criticism within Israel. Opposition leader Yair Golan condemned the operation as provocative and dangerous, warning it risks escalating conflict with Turkey and damaging relations with key allies like the United States. He accused Netanyahu of using military force for political survival rather than genuine security needs.

Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir visited southern Syria a day after the airstrike, affirming Israel's vigilance over developments on the Syrian front and readiness to respond precisely when necessary. He stressed Israel remains engaged in a multi-front conflict and must maintain constant alertness for potential escalations.

U.S. envoy Tom Barrack also cautioned about the risks of the strike, noting that Turkish forces in the area were not forewarned, raising the danger of a direct military confrontation between Israel and Turkey. The strike targeted a Syrian airbase approximately 70 kilometers east of the Turkish border, heightening regional tensions.

These developments highlight the complex interplay between Israel, Syria, and Turkey amid ongoing regional instability and the delicate balance Israel seeks to maintain against expanding Turkish influence in Syria.