Expert Analyzes Israel’s Strike on Syrian Nuclear Site and Turkey’s Growing Role

Following the fall of Assad’s regime and Ahmad al-Shara’s takeover in Syria, it has emerged that Syria retains enriched nuclear material, reportedly with Turkey’s tacit support. Middle East expert Dr. Haim Goloventzitz analyzed Israel’s recent strike on the Syrian military base at Abu al-Duhur, which provoked U.S. anger, explaining how the operation sent an unprecedented warning to Turkish President Erdogan: Israel will not allow Turkish military entrenchment near its borders.

Goloventzitz highlighted that Syria’s military efforts historically focused on chemical weapons, alongside a limited nuclear program developed with North Korean assistance. Israel’s 2007 strike on the Al-Kibar nuclear reactor exposed this program. Although Syria considered placing its nuclear material under international supervision, Damascus later insisted on retaining it for civilian use under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Goloventzitz noted this official declaration of a civilian nuclear program is unusual for Assad’s regime.

However, the expert emphasized that the nuclear issue is only part of a broader regional picture, with Turkey’s expanding involvement in Syria being the main concern. After Assad’s fall, Israel severely damaged Syria’s conventional military capabilities, but Turkey is now aiding Syria’s military rebuilding and increasing its influence. Israel’s recent strike was a clear message to both Damascus and Ankara that Turkish military presence near Israel’s border is unacceptable.

The interview revealed that the Israeli strike occurred amid rising tensions with Turkey and nearly escalated into a larger conflict, as Turkey was not informed beforehand and detected foreign aircraft. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrett described the incident as close to a "miscalculation." Goloventzitz warned that Erdogan is positioning Turkey as a regional power, reshaping Turkish public opinion against Israel, and that a Turkish military foothold in Syria or Lebanon could pose a significant long-term threat to Israel.

Goloventzitz stressed Israel’s imperative to prevent Turkish forces from replacing Syrian militias in the Golan Heights area, warning that the recent strike is part of a broader campaign to define Syria’s future and the regional balance of power. He concluded that Israel has drawn a very clear red line for Erdogan.