IDF Chief Warns Turkey Against Establishing Forces in Syrian Golan After Israeli Strikes

Two days after an unusual Israeli airstrike deep in Syria, which drew condemnation from Turkey and the United States, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir visited Israeli positions in the Syrian Golan Heights. Zamir stated that the Israeli military is closely monitoring developments on the Syrian front and emphasized that Israel will not allow hostile forces to establish themselves near its borders. He asserted Israel's readiness to use precise military force when necessary to prevent the emergence of significant military threats or terrorist activities along its frontier.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office confirmed the strike targeted areas near Aleppo, accusing the Syrian regime of ignoring warnings and permitting Turkish forces to deploy close to the city. The statement underscored Israel's refusal to tolerate threats to its security and welcomed a return to the previous status quo. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy to Syria and ambassador to Ankara, Tom Barrett, warned that Turkey had not been forewarned and could have responded to the Israeli attacks.

Israeli security officials expressed particular concern over two Turkish military developments: the Turkish Air Force's desire to use bases in Syria leased by Assad to Iranian forces, and the Turkish Navy's increasing proximity to Israeli naval vessels. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was identified as leading a hardline approach, frequently visiting Syria and directing Turkish naval forces closer to Israel’s maritime presence. However, a senior Israeli officer cautioned that Israel does not seek open conflict with Turkey, given the multiple active fronts in the Middle East.

Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli strikes as unjustified violations of sovereignty, warning of dangerous escalation threatening regional stability. Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani confirmed Syria possesses nuclear material for civilian use, assuring its safe storage under International Atomic Energy Agency guarantees. Notably, Syrian officials recently indicated ongoing efforts to negotiate a security agreement with Israel, potentially paving the way for peace without relinquishing Syria’s claims to the Golan Heights. Al-Shibani also stated Syria has no intention of military intervention in Lebanon but is engaged in discussions to help stabilize the country.

Israeli officials told Fox News that sensitive intelligence was shared with the U.S. ahead of the strike, clarifying that the Assad regime’s allies will not be allowed to follow its path. Turkey also condemned the strikes, reflecting the complex regional dynamics involving Israel, Syria, Turkey, and the United States.