Israel and Turkey Clash in Syria – What it Means for Switzerland

An Israeli airstrike on a Syrian military airbase has escalated tensions with Turkey. Ankara and Jerusalem are increasingly pursuing conflicting interests in Syria. For Switzerland, this involves not only the stability of a fragile region but also humanitarian aid and important relations with Turkey.

On August 18, Israel attacked the Syrian airbase Abu al-Duhur near Aleppo. According to Syrian sources, runways and base facilities were hit. No deaths or injuries were initially reported. Turkey condemned the attack as a violation of Syrian sovereignty. Washington also warned against further escalation.

A larger conflict underlies the attack: Since the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024, various actors have sought to secure their influence in the new Syria. Turkey supports the government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa and maintains military structures in the country's north. Israel, in turn, wants to prevent potentially hostile military forces from establishing themselves in its immediate vicinity.

What is Behind the Attack

The Israeli attack followed unusual direct contact between Israel and the new Syrian leadership. According to Reuters, Mossad chief Roman Gofman spoke with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on August 14. The discussion centered on the growing Turkish military presence in Syria. Israel feared that Turkish weapons, drones, and possibly air defense systems could be stationed in Syria.

A few days later, Abu al-Duhur was bombed. Israel justified the action by concerns that Turkey could permanently expand its military presence there. Ankara rejected this explanation. The Syrian government also stated that no permanent Turkish military base was planned at the airbase. Only cooperation and training were envisioned.

This leaves a crucial question open: Was Israel aiming to prevent an imminent Turkish military deployment – or to send a fundamental signal to Ankara?

Syria Becomes the Scene of a New Power Struggle

The conflict is part of a larger reordering of the Middle East. With the end of Assad's rule, regional power dynamics have shifted. Iran is significantly weakened in Syria, and Hezbollah has lost influence. Simultaneously, Turkey is trying to deepen its relations with the new Syrian leadership.

Ankara supports Syria's political and economic reconstruction and considers the country central for security reasons. Kurdish forces in the north, in particular, play an important role for Turkey. Ankara views the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units and their associated structures as a security risk.

Israel pursues other goals. Jerusalem wants to prevent Syria from again becoming a platform for attacks against Israel or for the establishment of opposing military infrastructure. At the same time, Israel seeks to maintain its military freedom of action against Iran.

Thus, two security interests clash – in a country that has yet to find a stable post-war order itself.

Washington Caught Between Two Allies

The situation is particularly difficult for the USA. Both Israel and Turkey are among Washington's most important partners in the region. Turkey is also a NATO member.

US Special Envoy for Syria and Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, criticized the Israeli attack as an unnecessary escalation. Simultaneously, the USA is striving for a mechanism to prevent direct clashes between Israel, Turkey, and Syria.

Washington's need to mediate between its two partners shows how complicated the new situation has become. A direct military conflict between Israel and Turkey still appears unlikely. However, the more frequently both sides test their red lines in Syria, the greater the risk of miscalculation.

Much at Stake for Syria

For the Syrian population, the developments are particularly problematic. After years of civil war, the country remains in a fragile transitional phase. According to Switzerland, over 16 million people still rely on humanitarian aid. Simultaneously, the new government is trying to rebuild state structures and stabilize the economy.