Israeli media alleged that the US informed the Tel Aviv government that it would begin gradually withdrawing troops from Syria within 2 months. It was reported that Israel is attempting to thwart this move due to concerns that “Turkey will assume more strategic presence in the new Syria.”

According to the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, Israeli officials tried to prevent the US from withdrawing its military presence in Syria. The Tel Aviv government was said to be blocking this move out of fear that “Turkey will assume more strategic presence in the new Syria.” The news reminded that US President Donald Trump previously announced the intention to withdraw troops from Syria, and the Pentagon, which has long been working on withdrawal plans and preparing to implement them, allegedly briefed the Israelis on this matter.

“ISRAELI OFFICIALS EXPRESSED THEIR CONCERNS” Israeli officials reportedly expressed their “serious concerns,” although it was reported that this did not affect the US withdrawal decision.

According to a senior Israeli official, the withdrawal of troops from northern Syria by the US has the potential to increase tensions between Turkey and Israel, as well as to whet Turkey’s appetite for controlling “more strategic military points in Syria.” The news also mentioned that the process of US withdrawal from Syria and President Trump’s comments about President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House last week put Israeli security agencies on alert, with Israeli officials finding Trump’s mediation offer “unconvincing.” The attacks carried out by Israel in recent weeks on the T4 military base in Palmyra, Humus province, designated for Turkish deployment in Syria have been seen as an attempt to delay Turkey’s deployment and as a “race against time” before the US starts withdrawing its troops. It was noted that Israel is afraid of Turkey limiting its freedom of movement in Syria and posing a potential threat to the Syrian territories it holds under occupation in the future.