Israeli Defense Minister Reveals How Israel Foiled Turkish Military Build-Up in Syria

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz disclosed new details about the recent Israeli strike on the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Syria, explaining that it was based on clear intelligence indicating Turkey's intention to establish a military presence there that would threaten Israel's security. Katz stated that the Israeli Defense Forces recommended the strike multiple times, and after discussions involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and security officials, Israel issued a direct warning to the Syrian regime through senior channels to prevent the Turkish foothold. Concurrently, relevant U.S. authorities were informed. When Syria ignored the warning, Israel authorized the successful attack.

Katz criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying "Erdogan was caught with his hand in the cookie jar and had to retreat." He emphasized Israel's firm stance against any hostile entity establishing itself in Syria in a way that endangers Israeli borders, citing lessons learned from the October 7 events. Addressing opposition claims that the strike was politically motivated ahead of elections, Katz dismissed these as ignorance and misunderstanding of Israel's security interests.

Katz also rebuked U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy to Syria, Tom Barrett, who suggested the strike aimed to provoke a Turkish response and accused Israel of "occupying" the Golan Heights. Katz stated Barrett's remarks were inaccurate and contradicted President Trump's clear recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan. Meanwhile, the IDF continued operations in Syria, targeting a terrorist operative near Beit Jinn in southern Syria who was reportedly advancing terror plans posing an immediate threat to Israeli forces. Israeli officials affirmed their commitment to neutralizing all security threats beyond their borders.