Israel Urges US Support to Maintain ‘Weak’ Russian Bases in Syria, Sources Reveal

In a significant diplomatic maneuver, Israel is actively lobbying the United States to maintain a weakened and decentralized Syria. This effort includes allowing Russia to retain its military bases in the region to counteract Turkey’s expanding influence, according to four sources familiar with these ongoing discussions.

The relationship between Turkey and Israel has faced considerable strain, particularly during the recent Gaza conflict. Israeli officials have communicated their concerns to Washington, highlighting that the newly established Islamist leadership in Syria, which is supported by Ankara, represents a potential threat to Israeli security, as reported by Reuters.

This lobbying effort underscores a strategic Israeli campaign aimed at shaping U.S. policy at a pivotal moment for Syria. The Islamist factions that have overthrown Bashar al-Assad are working to stabilize the divided nation and are seeking the lifting of harsh sanctions imposed by the U.S.

Israeli officials have conveyed their perspectives to senior U.S. officials during meetings held in Washington in February and subsequent dialogues with U.S. Congressional representatives in Israel. These discussions revealed key points that were also documented in an Israeli “white paper” shared with some senior U.S. officials, according to two of the sources.

Due to the sensitive nature of these diplomatic interactions, all sources provided their insights on the condition of anonymity. As noted by Aron Lund, a fellow at the U.S.-based think tank Century International, “Israel’s big fear is that Turkey comes in and protects this new Syrian Islamist order, which then ends up being a base for Hamas and other militants.”

The U.S. State Department and National Security Council have not provided any responses to inquiries regarding this situation. Additionally, the office of Israel’s Prime Minister, along with the foreign ministries of Syria and Turkey, have not immediately commented on the matter.

It remains uncertain how much weight U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is giving to Israel’s proposals. The administration has been relatively quiet about Syria, creating a sense of uncertainty surrounding the future of U.S. sanctions and the presence of U.S. forces in the northeast region of Syria.

Lund emphasized that Israel has a favorable opportunity to sway U.S. perspectives, describing the current administration as being “wildly pro-Israeli.” He commented, “Syria is barely even on Trump’s radar now. It’s low priority, and there’s a policy void to fill.”

Israel has openly expressed its distrust of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist faction responsible for the ousting of Assad. This group has origins linked to al-Qaeda, although it severed ties in 2016. Currently, Israel is particularly worried about Turkey’s role as a close ally of Syria’s new leadership, as indicated by three U.S. sources who discussed the messages conveyed by Israeli officials.

• Israel’s Concerns: Israel fears that Turkey will support the new Syrian Islamist government, potentially turning Syria into a base for Hamas and other militant groups.
• U.S. Administration’s Stance: The Trump administration has been largely silent on Syria, leading to concerns about the future of U.S. sanctions and military presence in the area.
• Israel’s Diplomatic Strategy: Israeli officials have communicated their concerns through meetings and a formal “white paper,” aimed at influencing U.S. policy.
• Trust Issues: Israel has declared mistrust towards HTS, the Islamist faction that played a significant role in the change of power in Syria.

As these developments unfold, the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East remains complex and fraught with challenges. The interplay between Israel, Turkey, and the new Syrian leadership will likely continue to be a focal point for U.S. foreign policy discussions.

Overall, Israel’s lobbying efforts reflect a broader strategy to ensure its security interests are safeguarded in the evolving dynamics of Syria, particularly amidst rising tensions with Turkey and the implications of Islamist governance in the region.