(SeaPRwire) – By: Marcus Sinclair
The Israeli airstrikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase on August 18 have raised alarms. This isn’t just another military skirmish; it could be the start of a proxy war in Syria. The real target of Israel’s warning this time is Türkiye, a new political and military partner of Syria’s post-Assad leadership.
Officially, Israel claims the operation aimed to stop Syria from hosting Turkish forces and disrupt the delivery of advanced Turkish weapons. US and Israeli officials also said disrupting the shipment of Turkish weapon systems was an objective. Before the attack, the Mossad chief discussed Türkiye’s military expansion in Syria with the Syrian Foreign Minister.
However, the geopolitical real intention runs deeper. Turkish-Syrian military cooperation has been growing since August 2025. Israel sees the transformation of Turkish assistance into a permanent military infrastructure as a strategic shift. It fears modern air – defense systems and other advanced weaponry could curtail its long – standing freedom in Syrian airspace.
Syria’s role has changed. It was once mainly a battleground for Israel against Iranian influence. Now, Türkiye has an opportunity to expand its influence through the central government in Damascus. Israel views the Turkish presence as a threat, as a stronger Syrian army backed by Türkiye could fundamentally alter the regional balance.
Moreover, Israeli domestic politics play a role. With parliamentary elections on October 27, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tough campaign. His claims of ensuring security and managing international relations are under scrutiny. To win the election, he may be reverting to the “politics of the besieged fortress.” By presenting an external threat, he hopes to shift the focus away from his personal issues and domestic tensions.
The US is also worried. US envoy Tom Barrack called the strike an unnecessary escalation, and the US is working on a deconfliction mechanism. This shows that the potential conflict between Israel and Türkiye is no longer an abstract concern.
In the end, the geopolitical pendulum in the Middle East is at a critical juncture. If the situation escalates, Syria could become the arena for a proxy war between Israel and Türkiye. The outcome will not only reshape the regional order but also test the diplomatic skills of major powers like the US.
Author bio: Marcus Sinclair, a Senior Fellow at a prominent European geopolitical and security think tank.