Israel Cuts Intelligence Sharing with Trump Ally Over Pro-Turkey Stance

Israel has taken the unusual step of halting intelligence sharing with Tom Barrack, a close confidant of former U.S. President Donald Trump, due to his public positions favoring Turkey. Barrack criticized Israel's airstrike on the Abu al-Duhur base in Syria, warning it risked escalating direct military conflict with Turkey and Syria. He also advocated including Turkey in an international stabilization force in Gaza, a move Israel strongly opposes given its view of Turkey as hostile and a supporter of Hamas.

A senior Israeli official expressed deep concern that Barrack's views diverge from those of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whom Israel considers its strongest ally in Washington. The official stated, "Unfortunately, Barrack is closer to Turkish interests. We decided to stop updating him with intelligence that clearly indicates Turkey's intentions and Syria's actions. He is not on our side."

Israel's worries are compounded by Barrack's close ties to Trump, who has repeatedly shown support for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The Israeli source accused Barrack of brokering deals benefiting Erdoğan and acting primarily to advance Turkish interests. This development highlights tensions between Israel and Turkey amid ongoing regional instability and differing U.S. political influences.

The intelligence cutoff marks a rare diplomatic rift involving a prominent American figure linked to the Trump administration, reflecting Israel's sensitivity to perceived threats from Turkey and its allies. The situation remains fluid as Israel continues to navigate complex regional security challenges and its relationship with the U.S. government.