Israel holds high-level security meeting over Turkey’s presence in Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Israeli newspaper Maariv reported on Thursday that a high-level security meeting is being held in Israel to discuss Turkey’s growing presence in Syria.
According to the report, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and top military officials are set to participate in the meeting. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be absent as he is currently on an official visit to Hungary.
The meeting comes amid Israeli concerns that Turkey’s expanding influence in Syria could pose a direct security threat.
While Israel reportedly seeks to avoid a direct confrontation with Turkey, it has continued to conduct preemptive strikes against potential threats in the region.
In recent days, Netanyahu has held several similar security discussions, with Israeli media sources suggesting that he is closely monitoring the growing rapprochement between Turkey and Syria’s new administration.
Israeli officials are particularly alarmed by Turkey’s potential military presence east of Homs, viewing it as a serious strategic challenge.
According to Maariv, Israel believes Ankara is working to establish a long-term military foothold in Syria with the approval of Damascus—an arrangement that, in Israel’s view, threatens regional stability.
Meanwhile, on Thursday dawn, the Israeli military confirmed carrying out airstrikes on two Syrian airbases and military infrastructure sites in the cities of Damascus, Hama, and Homs.
Maariv cited an unnamed Israeli source who suggested that the recent airstrikes in Syria were meant to send a “clear message to Turkey.”