Israel is allegedly lobbying the United States to maintain a weakened and decentralized Syria, proposing that Russian military bases remain operational within the country. The strategy reportedly aims to counterbalance Turkey’s expanding influence in the region, particularly following the ascent of Syria’s new Islamist rulers, who receive substantial backing from Ankara.
Israeli officials have expressed concerns that these developments pose significant threats to Israel’s national security.
In a series of high-level meetings held in Washington in February, Israeli representatives conveyed to U.S. officials that the continued presence of Russian forces at the Tartus naval base and the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia province would serve as a stabilizing factor, according to a report from The Times of Israel.
Russia’s presence is perceived as a countermeasure against potential Turkish aggression and as a means to prevent the consolidation of Islamist power along Israel’s northern frontier. Turkey’s support for the new Syrian administration has raised alarms in Jerusalem, especially considering Turkey’s historical ties to groups such as Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.
The alliance is viewed by Israel as a direct challenge to its security interests, prompting a reevaluation of regional alliances and defense postures.
The United States’ response to Israel’s lobbying efforts remains uncertain, as the U.S. administration has yet to articulate a definitive stance on the future of Russian military installations in Syria.
In parallel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly declared that Israel will not permit Syrian military forces or affiliated Islamist groups to operate south of Damascus. Which came concurrently with a rather large air operation targeting weapon storage depots belonging to the previous Assad regime.
