Israel is increasing its attacks in Syria, drawing Turkey into a potential battle for influence and control. Though four months have passed since the collapse of former strongman Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and its replacement by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS),

Turkish plans to establish a presence and air defenses on Syrian soil would hinder Israel’s operational freedom, a situation Israel is unlikely to accept in the post-October 7 Middle East.

Israel stepped up airstrikes on Syria overnight, declaring the attacks a warning to the new Islamist rulers in Damascus as it accused their ally Turkey on Thursday of trying to turn the country into a Turkish protectorate.