Israel pushes to keep Russian bases in Syria as Turkish threat grows March 3, 2025A Russian military vehicle drives toward the Hmeimim Air Base, a Syrian airbase located southeast of the city of Latakia in the town of Hmeimim, Syria, Monday Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)(AP Photo/Leo Correa)Israel pushes to keep Russian bases in Syria as Turkish threat grows Tweet WhatsApp Email https://worldisraelnews.com/israel-pushes-to-keep-russian-bases-in-syria-as-turkish-threat-grows/ Email Print Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has previously called for an alliance of Islamic countries in Syria against what he described as Israel’s ‘expansionist policies.’By Jewish Breaking NewsTurkey’s ever-growing influence in post-Assad Syria has Israel nervous, with Israeli officials now lobbying Washington to maintain Russian military bases as a counterweight.At the heart of Israel’s anxiety is the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group now leading Syria’s new government.HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has attempted to present himself as a moderate, promising inclusive governance and even promising to leave Israel one.“We don’t want conflict either with Israel or with other countries. Syria won’t be used to target other countries. Syrians are tired and just need to live in peace,” al-Sharaa told foreign journalists in December.“Our first concern is to get people to return home, whether from abroad or displaced people in Syria. We need to secure this transitional period, while providing the necessary assistance for the return of displaced persons, refugees and Syrians in general.”But Israel remains unconvinced, viewing HTS assurances with deep skepticism. Furthermore, Israeli officials believe that Turkey is supporting Iran’s efforts to rebuild Hezbollah and fear that it wishes to open an entirely new hostile front.Read While attacking the Houthis, US is missing the Russian connection - analysisTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has previously called for an alliance of Islamic countries in Syria against what he described as Israel’s “expansionist policies.”According to Reuters, Israeli intelligence presented American officials with a “white paper” in February documenting Turkey’s covert activities in Syria.At this meeting, Israel advocated for maintaining Russia’s strategic military presence in Tartus and airbase in Latakia, arguing this would provide Moscow with substantial regional influence.Whether the current US administration will be receptive to Israel’s position remains to be seen. Some analysts believe President Trump, with his unique relationship with dictator Vladimir Putin, might be more open to allowing Russian bases to remain in Syria as part of a broader regional strategy. RussiaSyriaTurkey
