Israeli Expert Warns Turkey's Growing Influence in Syria Threatens Israeli Air Freedom

Professor Uzi Rabi has issued a warning about Turkey's expanding presence in Syria, cautioning that it could restrict Israel's freedom of action in the region. Speaking on August 19, 2026, Rabi highlighted that Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is deepening its foothold in northern Syria, particularly around the Idlib airport located 70 kilometers from the Syrian-Turkish border. He described Erdogan as having "great ambitions and imperial dreams," emphasizing that Israel must act now to prevent Syria from becoming a Turkish colony.

Rabi explained that while Israel previously focused on preventing Iran from using Syria as a proxy base, the fall of Bashar al-Assad has shifted the balance, making Syria less of an Iranian stronghold and more vulnerable to Turkish influence. He warned that Turkey's control over strategic sites like the Idlib airport could involve deploying air defense batteries that would limit Israeli Air Force operations in the Middle East.

The expert urged Israel to take proactive measures to block Turkey's deeper entrenchment, warning that Erdogan's ambitions might extend beyond Syria to Lebanon and Gaza. Rabi also discussed the changing regional alliances, noting declining trust in the United States among Middle Eastern countries, leading to multiple overlapping alliances. He questioned the durability of the Abraham Accords in light of Saudi Arabia's new ties with Pakistan and Turkey.

Regarding Hamas and Hezbollah, Rabi stated that ceasefires allow these groups to regroup and strengthen, asserting there is no room for compromise as they do not seek peace. He stressed that Israel should not concede any territory in Gaza unless Hamas is fully disarmed, highlighting the group's ongoing recruitment of young fighters and access to weapons.