Yair Golan against the strike in Syria: "A provocative and dangerous move"

The chairman of the Democrats, Major General (res.) Yair Golan, spoke out against the Israeli strike in Syria, claiming it is a "provocative and dangerous move" that could bring Israel closer to a confrontation with Turkey and deepen the rift with allies, led by the USA.

In a statement he released, Golan said:

"Once again, military force is being used for political considerations, and once again Israel is paying the price in security."

According to him, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is an "extreme and unreliable element, who cannot be trusted and certainly not to build a stable regional process with."

Golan added that the government's conduct "erodes trust in Israel, distancing partners and allies from us." He called for leadership that would use force to achieve security, and not, according to him, "to create another war for political survival."

The strike carried out yesterday early morning at an airport in Syria carried a significant security message to Turkey: that Israel will not allow it to expand its military hold and approach the border on the Golan Heights.

Turkey already holds about 5% of Syrian territory today. The Turkish army is present in the north, but Israel is not prepared to accept a creeping occupation that would allow them to deepen their hold on the country and move towards the Golan Heights.

Israel received solid information that the Turks were planning to establish a significant military presence at an airport near the city of Idlib. Efforts were made through American mediation to resolve the event, but messages sent from Jerusalem to Ankara and Damascus went unanswered. Consequently, Israel decided to initiate what can be termed a 'warning' strike.

Turkey is currently reacting with words, accusing Israel of inciting war and endangering regional stability. However, hidden behind these promises is President Erdogan's vision to revive the Ottoman Empire, including by taking over Syria.

From Israel's perspective, Turkish military expansion inside Syria is a scenario that cannot be accepted. If this is not stopped while the presence is still small, we might one day discover Turkish soldiers on the border on the Golan Heights.