Syria FM claims Israel was told that Turkey was not building forces before airbase strikes - report

On August 19, 2026, Israel and Turkey traded statements over Israeli airstrikes on a Syrian airbase, Abu al-Duhur. Israel said Turkey was planning to deploy forces there; Turkey called the claims 'untenable' and denied 'frivolous allegations' about a planned troop deployment to Syria. Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would not tolerate a Turkish military presence in Syria and that he had warned Turkey before the strike. Israel's army chief vowed not to allow threats along the border.

Egypt, Pakistan and the United States condemned the strikes. The US called them an 'unnecessary escalation' and Pakistan called the attack 'unprovoked'. Syria's foreign minister said Israel had been told Turkey was not raising its presence at the airbase, while the Times of Israel noted that Syrian officials confirmed a Turkish visit.