Israel Seeks U.S. Support to Preserve Russian Bases in Syria

Israel is working to weaken Turkey's influence in Syria by lobbying the U.S. to maintain a decentralized Syria and support the continued presence of Russian military bases. Israeli officials are concerned that a Turkish-backed Islamist government in Syria could threaten Israel's borders, prompting their support for a stable Russian military presence that allows for strategic airstrikes against Iranian and Hezbollah targets. Meanwhile, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, the future of Russian bases in Syria, particularly Hmeimim and Tartous, is uncertain as interim President Ahmed Sharaa seeks to renegotiate lease terms with Russia. These bases are still considered crucial for Russia's military reach in the Middle East, although their management has shifted to local Islamist forces. Diplomatic negotiations between Syrian leadership and Russian officials are ongoing, aiming to redefine military and economic alliances in the region. The situation remains fluid, with various factions vying for control and influence in post-Assad Syria.