Israel urges US to allow Russian bases in Syria
Photo: Israel is trying to convince the US to keep Russian bases (GettyImages)
Israel is lobbying the US to maintain Syria's weakness and Russian military bases in response to Turkey's growing influence in the region. This move is aimed at preventing a security threat to Israel from Islamist forces backed by Ankara, according Reuters.
Israel is actively lobbying the US to maintain a decentralized and weakened Syria, including the possibility of keeping Russian military bases in the country.
According to Reuters sources, Israel's stance is driven by the desire to counter Turkey's growing influence in the region. Tensions between Israel and Turkey have escalated since the start of the Gaza war, with Israeli officials warning Washington that new Islamist forces in Syria, backed by Ankara, could pose a security threat to Israel.
These efforts are part of a coordinated Israeli campaign to influence US policy at a critical moment for Syria, as Islamist groups, which overthrew Bashar al-Assad, attempt to stabilize the country and push for the lifting of sanctions.
Israel conveyed its position to the US during meetings in Washington in February, as well as in subsequent talks with US Congress representatives and through a "white paper." These documents aim to strengthen Israel's position in Syria.
Analysts believe Israel is concerned about possible Turkish intervention in support of the new Syrian Islamists, which could lead to the establishment of a base for militant groups like Hamas.
Experts note that the Trump administration has not yet made a final decision on potential changes to US policy regarding Syria, leaving uncertainty over sanctions and the future presence of US troops in the country.
It is worth recalling that the Trump administration reversed a decision made under Joe Biden, which had prohibited allies from using American weapons in violation of international humanitarian law, a move that could damage the US reputation on the international stage.
According to the publication, an order signed by US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz on February 21 cancels National Security Memorandum-20 (NSM-20).
The document, signed by Biden last year, required countries receiving weapons from the US to commit in writing not to use them for attacks on civilians or to limit humanitarian aid. This requirement was a new provision, including the obligation to report to Congress.
Biden signed the memorandum under pressure from progressive Democrats who called for restrictions on military aid to Israel, arguing it was being used to harm civilians in Gaza.
