Israeli Media: Israel Sought to Strike Turkish-Linked Targets in Syria, Trump Objected
Israel's Channel 13 reported that Tel Aviv asked Washington to approve a new military strike in Syria, but this time President Donald Trump rejected the request.
RastinewsIsrael's Channel 13 reported that the Israeli government asked Washington to approve a new military strike in Syria, but that President Donald Trump rejected the request this time.
According to Channel 13, the sites Israel wanted to hit were targets in Syria linked to Turkey.
The report claimed that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has moved in recent weeks to strengthen Turkey's position in Syria with the approval of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and that this policy has also won backing from the Trump administration.
Israeli media said Israel is closely watching Ankara's efforts to expand its influence over Syrian airports and civilian depots in particular.
Channel 13 said Israel had coordinated with Washington on previous strikes in Syria, but that "unlike past occasions," Trump blocked the latest strike request.
The report argued the development points to two things.
Channel 13 also noted the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, writing that it reflects a shift in the region's balance of power.
Under the agreement, signed on August 7, an armed attack on any one of the three countries will be treated as an attack on all three.
It was not disclosed exactly when Israel submitted the strike request to Washington or which targets were slated to be hit.
Neither U.S. nor Israeli officials have officially confirmed Channel 13's report.