Israel lobbying US to keep Russian base in Syria?

Israel is lobbying the United States to keep Syria weak and decentralized, including maintaining Russian bases in Syria to counter Türkiye's growing influence in Syria, Reuters reported on February 28, citing four sources familiar with the matter.

Russian forces move to Hmeimim airbase in Latakia (Syria) on December 14, 2024

Relations between Israel and Türkiye are deteriorating as the Gaza Strip descends into conflict, and Tel Aviv officials have told Washington that the new leadership in Syria, backed by Ankara, is a threat to Israel's borders, sources have said.

Russia currently maintains two strategic bases in Syria, including the naval base in Tartus on the Mediterranean coast and the Khmeimim air base in Latakia province. In addition to the Khmeimim air base, Moscow also bases bombers at military airports in Homs and Palmyra.

Israel wants Russia to keep its troops in Syria in the hope of counterbalancing the growing influence of Türkiye.

Israel's lobbying effort comes at a crucial time for Syria, as the government that replaced former President Bashar al-Assad seeks to stabilize the economy and persuade Washington to lift long-standing sanctions.

Sources said the Israeli side discussed the above views with senior US officials during meetings in Washington in February and subsequent meetings in Israel with US Congress representatives.

"Israel fears that Türkiye could step in and protect the new Islamic government in Syria, which could eventually create a base for Hamas and other armed groups," Reuters quoted expert Aron Lund of the Century International policy research organization (USA).

Türkiye threatens to send troops into Syria to attack Kurdish forces

The US State Department and the National Security Council did not respond to requests for comment on the Reuters article. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and the Syrian and Turkish foreign ministries also did not respond to requests for comment.

Sources also said it was unclear to what extent the Trump administration was considering the proposals from its ally Israel.

It remains unclear whether the US will lift sanctions on Syria in the future, nor whether the US will maintain forces in northeastern Syria as before the regime change in Damascus.

Expert Lund said Israel has a chance to convince the US, based on its relationship with the new administration in Washington as well as the pro-Israel stance in Washington.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/israel-van-dong-my-giu-can-cu-nga-o-syria-185250301155944633.htm