Israel pressures Washington to counter Turkish influence in Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Israel is lobbying the United States to maintain Russia’s military presence in Syria as a strategic move to curb Turkish influence in the region, four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.
According to these sources, Israeli officials have urged Washington to keep Syria weak and decentralized, using Russia’s two military bases as leverage against Turkey’s growing presence.
Israeli officials reportedly warned U.S. counterparts that the “new Islamist rulers in Syria,” backed by Ankara, pose a direct threat to Israel’s borders.
Three American sources, along with another individual familiar with the discussions, confirmed that Israel conveyed its concerns to senior U.S. officials during meetings in Washington in February and subsequent discussions in Israel with U.S. congressional representatives.
Two of the sources added that an official Israeli document outlining key points of the proposal was also circulated among top American officials.
It remains unclear whether the administration of President Donald Trump accepted Israel’s recommendations.