Israel has urged the United States to allow Russia to maintain its military presence in Syria as part of a broader strategy to counter Turkey’s growing influence in the country, according to an exclusive report by Reuters.
Israeli officials lobbied top US policymakers in February, arguing that a weakened and decentralized Syria — supported by continued Russian military presence — would help prevent Turkey-backed Islamist factions from consolidating power, Reuters reported, citing four sources familiar with the discussions. The report highlights Israel’s growing concerns over Ankara’s support for Syria’s new rulers, who took power after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad.
According to Reuters, Israel outlined its position in meetings with US officials in Washington and in Israel, as well as through a confidential “white paper” circulated among senior policymakers. Israeli officials reportedly warned that Turkey’s backing of Syria’s Islamist-led government could create a new security threat near Israel’s borders, including the potential for Syria to become a base for Hamas and other militant groups.
Turkey, which has played a key role in supporting the new Syrian leadership, has repeatedly stated that it seeks a stable and non-threatening Syria. However, Reuters reported that Israel views Ankara’s involvement as a significant risk and has expressed concerns about Turkey’s growing regional influence, particularly its alignment with groups that Israel considers hostile.
Reuters noted that Israeli officials have pushed back against suggestions that Turkey, as a NATO member, would be a more reliable security partner than Russia in Syria. Instead, Israel has advocated for Russia to retain its military bases in Tartus and Latakia, arguing that a Russian presence is preferable to an unchecked Turkish expansion, the report said.
The Biden administration reportedly considered offering sanctions relief to Syria’s new leadership in exchange for the removal of Russian bases, but negotiations did not conclude before President Donald Trump took office in January, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the discussions. The extent to which Trump’s administration is considering Israel’s proposals remains unclear, but the new White House has shown strong support for Israeli positions on regional security.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly opposed the presence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist faction that led the fight against Assad. Netanyahu has also warned against any military buildup in southern Syria, demanding that the area remain demilitarized. In recent weeks, Israel has intensified its airstrikes on Syrian military sites, citing security concerns.
Turkey has dismissed Israel’s accusations, calling them an attempt to justify further Israeli military actions in the region. A source from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ruling party told Reuters that Ankara recently hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as part of an effort to navigate uncertainty over US policy in Syria and counterbalance any Israeli diplomatic maneuvers.
The US State Department and National Security Council did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment, and neither the Israeli prime minister’s office nor the Turkish and Syrian foreign ministries have issued statements regarding the report.