(Israel, 23rd) Israeli media reports that Israel has informed the United States that Turkey is preparing to deploy radar systems and air defense equipment at an air force base in Syria.
Kan TV, Israel's national television channel, reported on Saturday (August 22) that Israeli security officials have told Washington that Turkey's move could "significantly" alter the regional balance of power.
According to sources who spoke to Kan TV, Israel did not provide a timeline for Turkey's possible deployment, but the Abu al-Duhur military airport in northwest Syria is a potential deployment site for Turkey.
Israel carried out an airstrike on the Abu al-Duhur military airport on Tuesday (18th). An Israeli official stated that the strike was aimed at preventing Turkish equipment or troops from being airlifted to the airbase.
Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated that the airstrike was a response based on "clear intelligence" regarding Turkey's plans that could "potentially endanger" Israel. He also said that Syria received a diplomatic warning before the airstrike.
U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, Barak, pointed out that Israel did not inform the United States about the strike in advance and believes the Israeli airstrike constitutes an unnecessary escalation that does not contribute to regional stability.
The airstrike has further heightened tensions between Turkey and Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has openly criticized Turkey and President Erdogan, and the two have had a longstanding public feud. Netanyahu accused Erdogan of supporting Hamas and has opposed the sale of American-made F-35 fighter jets to Ankara, while Turkish officials have described Israel as a "burden humanity can no longer bear."
Additionally, the Syrian Foreign Ministry pointed out that Israel used drones to strike a civilian vehicle in the suburbs of Damascus on Saturday (22nd), injuring one person, and condemned Israel's actions as a blatant violation of Syrian territory.
Israel stated that the Israeli military opened fire on a "terrorist" in southern Syria, as the individual's activities posed a direct threat to the Israeli military.