Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Israel, Syria, Turkey Tensions Follow Rare Mossad Contact
Israel and Turkey disagree about Turkey’s military activities in Syria.
Israel says Turkish deployments could threaten its security.
Turkey says Israel is violating Syria’s sovereignty.
Israel reportedly tried a rare phone contact with Syria’s foreign minister before carrying out airstrikes.
The call was between Mossad chief Roman Gofman and Asaad Hassan al-Shibani.
Israel then attacked the runway of an airport in northwestern Syria.
Israeli leaders said they were sending a warning about foreign military forces near Israel’s borders.
Israel’s military also said it was watching the situation closely and preparing for possible escalation.
Mossad chief Roman Gofman reportedly spoke with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani last week.
Kan TV reported that the call focused on Turkey’s military deployments in Syria.
The contact came before Israel carried out eight airstrikes on the runway of Abu al-Duhur military airport in Idlib.
Israel said the strikes responded to Damascus allowing Turkish forces to deploy at the airbase, while Turkey rejected the claim and accused Israel of violating Syria’s sovereignty.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and military chief Eyal Zamir warned that Israel would oppose hostile forces near its borders and remain prepared for escalation.
- Who
- Mossad chief Roman Gofman, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, Israeli leaders, and Turkey are central to the report.
- What
- Gofman reportedly held a rare call with al-Shibani about Turkish military deployments in Syria, followed by Israeli airstrikes on Abu al-Duhur airport.
- When
- The call reportedly took place last week; the airstrikes occurred early Tuesday, followed by Eyal Zamir’s visit on Wednesday.
- Where
- The call concerned Syria; the strikes hit Abu al-Duhur military airport in Idlib province, and Zamir visited southern Syria.
- Why
- Israel said Turkey’s military presence in Syria could threaten Israel and that Damascus had allowed Turkish forces to deploy there.
Israel’s position
Turkey’s position
Turkish military presence
Israel’s position
Israel says Turkey’s growing military role and deployments in Syria could threaten Israeli security and amount to a hostile force near its borders.
Turkey’s position
Turkey rejects Israel’s claims about its deployments and says Israel’s strikes violate Syria’s sovereignty.
Abu al-Duhur airstrike
Israel’s position
Israel says it struck the airbase because Damascus allowed Turkish forces to deploy there and described the action as a warning.
Turkey’s position
Turkey views the Israeli action as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty.
- Reported participants
- Mossad chief Roman Gofman and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani.
- Reported call timing
- The conversation took place last week, according to Kan TV.
- Israeli strike
- Israeli warplanes carried out eight airstrikes on the runway of Abu al-Duhur military airport.
- Strike location
- Abu al-Duhur military airport in Idlib province, northwestern Syria.
- Israel’s stated reason
- Israel said Damascus had allowed Turkish forces to deploy at the airbase.
- Turkey’s response
- Turkey rejected Israel’s claim and accused Israel of violating Syria’s sovereignty.
- Israeli warning
- Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would not tolerate a Turkish military buildup in Syria that threatens Israel.
