A man rides a motorbike in the town of Abu al-Duhur, Syria, Aug. 18, 2026. (Credit: Stringer/Reuters)
For months, tensions between Israel and Syria had been concentrated mainly in the South, with Israeli troops carrying out a series of incursions and operations in Daraa, Quneitra, and even in villages near Damascus. But the Aug.18 strikes on the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in the eastern part of Idlib province (in the North) mark a turning point. This is especially true given that the targeted infrastructure is located 70 kilometers from the border with Turkey, to which Israel also sent a strong message. Some context Netanyahu says Israel sent 'clear' message to Turkey, Ankara denies military presence in Syria Damascus is therefore trying to navigate a difficult situation, at a time when Tel Aviv is seeking to prevent it from strengthening its alliance with Ankara and rebuilding its army. This situation is prompting Syria to turn...
For months, tensions between Israel and Syria had been concentrated mainly in the South, with Israeli troops carrying out a series of incursions and operations in Daraa, Quneitra, and even in villages near Damascus. But the Aug.18 strikes on the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in the eastern part of Idlib province (in the North) mark a turning point. This is especially true given that the targeted infrastructure is located 70 kilometers from the border with Turkey, to which Israel also sent a strong message. Some context Netanyahu says Israel sent 'clear' message to Turkey, Ankara denies military presence in Syria Damascus is therefore trying to navigate a difficult situation, at a time when Tel Aviv is seeking to prevent it from strengthening its alliance with Ankara and rebuilding its army. This situation is prompting Syria to...
