Israel Warns Syria Before Striking Abu al-Duhur Airport Over Turkish Radar Threats

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed that Israel issued a direct warning to the Syrian regime prior to its recent airstrike on the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Syria. The Israeli military repeatedly recommended the strike due to concerns that Turkish radar systems deployed in the area could endanger Israeli Air Force jets, especially if hostilities with Iran resume. Katz explained that after multiple discussions involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the military, and security agencies, it was agreed to notify senior Syrian officials to try to prevent the attack, and intelligence was also shared with relevant U.S. authorities.

The Syrian regime, aware of its vulnerabilities amid internal and external threats, appears to tacitly allow Israeli intelligence and security operations in the Quneitra region against terrorist groups, while monitoring the border areas with Jordan, Iraq, and Iran. Syrian opposition leader Ahmad al-Shara, based in Turkey, did not comment on the recent Israeli strike, indicating a complex regional dynamic where Syria seeks support from both Israel in the south and Turkey in the north.

The Israeli military and Mossad maintain close surveillance across Syria, suspecting that once Syria regains strength, it may challenge Israel. The timing of the strike was strategic, occurring before Turkish troops occupied the base and before the radar systems became operational. This reflects Israel's intent to neutralize emerging threats preemptively.

Additionally, the IDF conducted a separate strike near Damascus against a terrorist operative advancing terror plans, based on precise intelligence indicating an immediate threat to Israeli forces. This underscores Israel's ongoing vigilance and proactive defense measures in Syria.