Israel would benefit from a stable Syria, but not one under Turkish influence, expert tells ‘Post’

Professor Efraim Inbar, president of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, stated that Israel desires a stable, federalized Syria that protects minorities and controls its borders, potentially becoming a “partner for peace.” This perspective counters Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's claim that Israel seeks to weaken Syria. Fidan made these comments during a visit to Damascus, alleging Israel's strike on the Abu Duhur airbase aimed to destabilize Syria. Israeli officials, however, indicated the strike prevented Turkish troop deployment. Inbar acknowledged Israel faces a dilemma, as a weakened Syria poses less immediate threat but a stable one could be a better long-term neighbor. He also noted that Turkey's growing influence in Syria, including numerous agreements and a planned visit by President Erdogan, poses a significant risk to Israel due to Ankara's “neo-Islamic and neo-Ottoman motivation.”