US Envoy Claims Israel Provoked Turkey Ahead of Elections with Syria Airstrike

Tom Barrett, the US Ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria, spoke on Saturday about rising tensions between Israel and Turkey, focusing on Israel’s recent airstrike on a Syrian base near al-Douhour in the Golan Heights. Barrett suggested the Israeli Air Force attack was a deliberate attempt to provoke Turkey into a military confrontation, possibly timed to influence Israel’s upcoming elections. He described the move as aggressive but potentially politically advantageous for Israel, noting that "irrational judgment" often occurs during election periods. Barrett also linked the incident to Turkey’s 2015 downing of a Russian plane and speculated that Israel acted on intelligence to prevent Turkish military reinforcement or territorial gains in Syria, targeting runways to stop such developments without informing the US or Turkey beforehand.

Barrett criticized Israel’s ongoing control of the Golan Heights, calling it an illegal occupation of Syrian territory contrary to international law. He also referenced reports of a two-hour phone conversation between Mossad chief Ronen Gafni and Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani prior to the strike, describing it as a constructive dialogue between two capable young officials.

Turkey’s Defense Ministry responded by affirming its support for Syria’s military development and infrastructure, denying any Turkish military presence at the targeted airbase before or during the Israeli strikes. Ankara called on the international community to take stronger measures against Israel’s actions, which it views as threats to regional peace and stability.

The statements came shortly after Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan against engaging in dangerous adventures in Syria, emphasizing Israel’s resolve to defend itself. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s refusal to tolerate Turkish military entrenchment in Syria, stating the message had been clearly communicated but Israel ensured it was understood more firmly after the strike. Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir visited Israeli positions on the Syrian Golan, affirming vigilance over developments on the Syrian front and the intent to prevent hostile forces from establishing themselves near Israel’s borders, using precise force as needed to counter terrorism and military threats.