US Envoy Tom Barrack Strains Israel-Turkey Ties Amid Syrian Conflict Concerns

Israeli officials in Jerusalem are increasingly concerned about Tom Barrack, former US envoy to Syria and current US ambassador to Turkey, due to his approach toward Syria and Turkey and his influence over President Donald Trump. The recent Israeli airstrike on the Abu al-Duhur base in northwest Syria, which targeted Turkish-backed forces, highlighted the growing rift between Jerusalem and Barrack regarding Syria's future, Turkey's regional role, and Israel's freedom of action.

Barrack sharply criticized the Israeli strike, warning it risked rapid escalation and direct conflict between Israel, Turkey, and Syria. He emphasized the need for a US-led mechanism to prevent clashes among the three countries. However, Israeli officials argue that Syria ignored Israeli warnings about Turkish troop deployments at the base and that the strike aimed to prevent a shift in the security balance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Israel would not tolerate Turkish military entrenchment southward, stressing that Israel had clearly communicated its red lines to Ankara.

Israeli sources view Barrack as closely aligned with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's interests and the Syrian regime, prioritizing US economic gains in Syria over Israeli security concerns. Despite Barrack's longstanding personal ties to Trump and his role in shaping US policy toward Syria and Turkey, Jerusalem doubts his actual influence on Trump’s decisions. Western diplomats, however, see Barrack as Trump’s key figure on Turkish and Syrian affairs, given his dual roles.

Barrack has advocated integrating Syria into the regional system, promoting economic reconstruction, strengthening ties with Turkey, and reducing US and Israeli military presence. This approach clashes with Israel’s insistence on preventing Syria from becoming a Turkish proxy state that threatens Israeli freedom of action. Barrack’s past remarks, including downplaying Israel’s democratic nature in favor of regional monarchies, have further strained relations.

Israel remains wary of Turkey’s military buildup in Syria and opposes US efforts, supported by Barrack, to reintegrate Turkey into the F-35 program. While Israel does not seek war with Turkey, it continues to send stern warnings to the US about Ankara’s actions. Israeli experts believe the US will prevent direct conflict between its two allies, viewing current provocations as internal political maneuvers. The US envoy’s tough rhetoric may aim to reinforce US-led dialogue channels between Israel and Turkey to manage tensions.