US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack on August 29 criticized Israel for not issuing any warning before carrying out airstrikes in Syria this week. In an interview, Barrack called the move an unnecessary escalation and suggested the attack on the Abu Duhur military base may have been intended to provoke Turkey, a country with significant influence in the region.
Israeli officials, who have repeatedly warned Turkey about increasing its military presence in Syria, quickly rejected those comments. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz asserted on social media that Tel Aviv had shared intelligence with relevant US authorities before the strike, and accused Barrack of making inaccurate statements that contradict President Donald Trump's stance.
Relations between Israel and Turkey have escalated in recent months, with Israel viewing Ankara as a potential rival seeking to expand regional influence. Turkey has condemned the Israeli airstrikes as reckless.
For his part, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the attack on the Abu Duhur base by claiming Turkey was preparing to deploy troops to the area despite warnings. However, Barrack said the US concluded that the alleged military activities at the base did not actually occur.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani also confirmed on August 27 that Damascus has no plans to allow Turkey to establish a military base at Abu Duhur, explaining that Turkish military officers had visited the facility as part of military cooperation for training and experience exchange.
The Abu Duhur base is located in northern Syria, near an area controlled by rebel forces. Israel frequently conducts airstrikes in Syria and has occupied several southern territories since President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in late 2024. Israeli forces have also displaced Syrians from their homes in the southwest and built military infrastructure there.
The US has tried to mediate between the two countries to ease tensions. Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has close ties to both Washington and Ankara, emphasized that his government is not seeking conflict with Israel. However, despite occasional criticism, the Trump administration maintains a policy of near-total support for Tel Aviv, viewing Israel as a key ally.
