Turkey condemns Israeli strike in Syria, vows military support for Damascus

On 20 August 2026, Turkey condemned an Israeli strike on a Syrian airbase and said it would give military support to Damascus. Turkey denied Israeli claims that its troops were at the base and said it would 'not fall into the trap' set by Netanyahu. Damascus confirmed a Turkish military visit to the base but rejected a deployment plan, and Syria rejected Israel's justification for the strike over an alleged Turkish military buildup.

Defense Minister Katz warned Turkish President Erdogan that Israel would not tolerate Turkey's 'dangerous adventures' in Syria and said Erdogan 'should not put our resolve to the test'. Turkey's communications director said Netanyahu's rhetoric reflects isolation, and Ankara called the Israeli attacks 'reckless' while backing Syria's stability.