Israel defends Syria airstrike as U.S. frustration with Netanyahu grows

Published Aug 19, 02:45 PM UTC

Israel has defended its airstrike on a Syrian airbase, which was reportedly aimed at preventing Turkish troops from deploying there. The strike has drawn condemnation from the United States, which called it an 'unnecessary escalation' and highlighted growing frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Reports indicate that Mossad director and Syria's foreign minister had discussed Turkish military deployments prior to the strike. The incident has brought the Israel-Turkey rivalry into the open, with both sides trading accusations. The U.S. criticism marks a notable shift in tone, reflecting increasing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem over Israel's unilateral actions in Syria.