Israeli Defense Minister Katz Details Preceding Warnings Before Syria Airstrike

On Saturday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued an unusual statement regarding an Israeli airstrike earlier this week deep inside Syria. Katz explained that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had repeatedly recommended striking the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Syria based on clear intelligence about Turkey’s intentions to carry out actions there that could threaten Israel’s security. After multiple discussions involving Prime Minister Netanyahu, the IDF, and other security agencies, it was decided to issue a direct warning to the highest levels of the Syrian regime before authorizing the strike. This warning was also communicated to relevant U.S. officials. Since Syria did not respond to the warning, the strike was approved and successfully executed.

Katz accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of being caught "with his hand in the cookie jar" and forced to retreat. He emphasized Israel’s commitment to preventing any threats to its security, citing the recent events of October 7 as a key lesson. Katz also rejected claims that the strike was politically motivated ahead of Israeli elections, condemning opposition and media attempts to politicize the operation as ignorance and a desire to undermine the government.

Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and former Trump envoy to Syria Tom Barrett suggested in an interview that one theory behind the strike was to provoke a Turkish military response, noting the aggressive nature of the move and its possible electoral timing. Barrett also commented on Israel’s control of the Golan Heights, stating that despite U.N. resolutions designating it Syrian territory, there is international consensus on the issue. Katz responded by criticizing Barrett’s remarks as inaccurate and contradictory to former President Trump’s official stance recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

Earlier on Saturday, the IDF conducted another operation in Syria, targeting a vehicle in the Damascus countryside near Beit Jinn. Syrian media reported one injury. The IDF spokesperson said the strike targeted a terrorist advancing imminent attack plans, posing an immediate threat to Israeli forces. The IDF affirmed it will continue to act to neutralize threats against its soldiers and Israeli civilians.