In a move that could signal escalating regional tensions, Israel has launched powerful airstrikes on three Syrian airbases recently assessed by Turkish forces for a potential joint defense pact. According to four insiders with direct knowledge of the situation, the targeted locations were being scouted by Turkish military teams for use in a broader military alliance in post-Assad Syria.
The airstrikes—which included a particularly heavy barrage on Wednesday night—hit the T4 and Palmyra bases in Homs province and the main airport in Hama. These sites had been under evaluation by Turkish officials for potential base deployment, signaling Ankara’s intention to solidify its role in Syria’s future defense landscape.
Although Turkey reportedly assured Washington that its military presence in Syria wasn’t aimed at Israel, the Israeli strikes suggest deep mistrust. Israel has long expressed concern over rising Islamist influence near its borders, especially since Islamist rebels took control of Syria following Bashar al-Assad’s ouster in December.
Sources revealed that Turkish forces inspected runways, hangars, and critical infrastructure in recent weeks. However, a planned visit on March 25 was canceled at the last minute—hours before Israeli strikes rendered the T4 base “totally unusable,” according to a Syrian source aligned with Turkey. “It was a clear message that Israel will not tolerate an increased Turkish presence,” one intelligence official stated.
Israel’s response has been framed as a necessary act of self-defense. Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that the strikes were a stern warning against threats to Israeli security. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar went further, accusing Turkey of trying to establish a “Turkish protectorate” in Syria.
Turkey, on its part, has tried to play down tensions. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told Reuters that Ankara has no interest in direct confrontation with Israel in Syria. Turkish officials have reassured the U.S. that their defense pact with Syria is being carefully designed to avoid sparking geopolitical friction.
Still, the stakes remain high. Experts warn that the installation of advanced Russian air-defense systems or Turkish drones at bases like T4 could tilt the balance of power. “This could significantly reduce Israel’s freedom of operation in the region,” said Noa Lazimi, a Middle East expert at Bar-Ilan University.
As both Turkey and Israel assert their influence in a post-Assad Syria, observers fear that the region could be headed toward a major standoff. While Washington may still act as a mediator, the ideological gap between Ankara and Tel Aviv continues to widen.
