IDF Strikes in Syria Amid Rising Tensions with Turkey Over Ben Gurion Airport Dispute

The Israeli military conducted another strike in Syria targeting a terrorist who was planning an attack against the IDF. This operation comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Turkey, exacerbated by recent public statements from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Kitzinger, which security officials fear could unnecessarily escalate the conflict with Ankara.

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Jeff Flake, suggested that Israel's recent strikes were influenced by the upcoming elections. However, Defense Minister Kitzinger clarified that the IDF recommended the attack multiple times based on clear intelligence about Turkey's intentions. Meanwhile, Shin Bet chief David Zini announced that the agency will not provide security for former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.

Domestically, senior government officials blamed Pinchas Idan, chairman of the workers' committee, for deliberately creating the ongoing crisis at Ben Gurion Airport for personal reasons. The security establishment remains deeply concerned about the public rhetoric from Israeli leaders regarding Turkey, warning that it could lead to unnecessary escalation with Ankara.