Did Bibi Target Trump’s New Ally ‘Syria’? Turkey Angle Behind Abu al-Duhur Strike

Israeli airstrikes hit the runway of Abu al Duhur military airbase in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province overnight, causing damage but no reported casualties. Early reports said at least four strikes hit the runway, while Syrian state television later reported eight strikes. The base is about 70 km from the Turkish border and has been out of service for years.

No country initially claimed responsibility. Arab media reports suspected Israel, and the Israeli military declined to comment. Syria's government later directly blamed Israel, calling the attack an “unjustified act of aggression” and a violation of its sovereignty.

The timing has raised questions. A Turkish military delegation visited the base just hours before the strikes as part of early efforts to rehabilitate its runways. Reports said Turkish officials were looking at rebuilding the facility as Syria works to restore its military.

That has revived the Israel-Türkiye rivalry over Syria. Israel has opposed a larger Turkish military role in the country, fearing it could limit its freedom to operate. In April 2025, Israel struck Syrian military sites that Türkiye had reportedly examined for possible use, including the Hama and T4 bases.

The attack also comes as Washington builds closer ties with Syria's new government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, making Damascus an important new partner in President Donald Trump's Syria policy.

Trump has not publicly commented on the Abu al-Duhur strike. But his Syria envoy Tom Barrack said Washington was “deeply concerned” about the confirmed Israeli airstrikes, calling them an “unnecessary escalation” that does not advance regional stability. He said Syria's government has repeatedly shown a preference for de-escalation with Israel.

Israel's military activity in Syria has increased since Bashar Assad's fall in December 2024, including strikes and incursions in the south. Israel also moved into the UN-monitored buffer zone after the collapse of the 1974 disengagement agreement.

With Israel yet to confirm the attack, the motive remains unclear. But the strike has put Bibi, Trump, Syria and Türkiye at the centre of a fresh regional dispute.