Israel strikes Syrian air base to block Turkish deployment

On August 19, 2026, Israel carried out an airstrike on an air base in northwest Syria, saying it aimed to prevent Turkish troops from deploying there. Israeli officials took responsibility for the attack, stating that Turkish forces had been allowed to move into the area. Experts noted that Syria's military buildup, with Ankara's involvement, made the Israeli strike necessary. The attack raised concerns about a potential military confrontation between Israel and Turkey, as an Israeli envoy warned of the risk of direct conflict.