Israel Pressures U.S. to Back Russian Military Presence in Syria to Counter Turkey’s Rising Power

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) –Israel is intensifying its diplomatic efforts, urging the United States to greenlight Russia’s continued military foothold in Syria, arguing that Moscow’s presence is a vital counterweight to Turkey’s expanding influence in the region.

According to Israeli officials, Ankara’s growing dominance in Syria is a direct and escalating threat to Israel’s national security.

In Tel Aviv’s view, only a sustained Russian military presence can curb Turkey’s ambitions and prevent a dangerous shift in regional power dynamics.

In a dramatic move, Israeli representatives formally presented their case to Washington in February, making a strategic plea for Russia to retain control over its two critical strongholds—the Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia and the Tartus Naval Base.

This high-stakes proposal—still awaiting an official response from Washington—highlights Israel’s deep-rooted fears over Turkey’s expanding grip on Syria and the potential security risks it could unleash.

Yet, the Biden administration remains undecided, carefully weighing its next move.

U.S. officials have attempted to reassure Israel, arguing that NATO member Turkey could serve as a stabilizing force in the region.

However, Tel Aviv is far from convinced. Israeli policymakers reject the notion that Ankara can be trusted, warning that Turkey’s rising dominance in Syria is not a solution, but a catalyst for greater instability.

Israel views Ankara’s unchecked expansion as a direct threat, one that could upend regional stability and open the door to new security challenges.

Meanwhile, Turkey has made its stance clear—staunchly opposing Russia’s prolonged military footprint in Syria.

With a new Syrian government, uncertainty looms over whether Moscow will be allowed to maintain its key military bases—particularly after years of Russian airstrikes against opposition forces during Syria’s brutal civil war.

Since launching its military intervention in 2015, Russia has entrenched itself deep within Syria, transforming the war-torn nation into a strategic stronghold.

At the heart of this geopolitical conquest lie two key military installations—the Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia and the Tartus Naval Base on the Mediterranean coast—both serving as the cornerstones of Moscow’s expanding military dominance in the region.

Khmeimim Air Base, located in Latakia, western Syria, has been the nerve center of Russia’s aerial war machine since 2015.

From here, advanced Russian fighter jets—Su-35, Su-34, and Su-30—take to the skies, launching relentless airstrikes in support of the Assad regime while crushing rebel and terrorist forces.

But Khmeimim is more than just an airbase—it is a fortress.

Armed with the S-400 air defense system, the base stands as an impenetrable military stronghold, ensuring Moscow’s firm grip over Syria and securing its strategic foothold in the Middle East.

Beyond its firepower, Khmeimim also serves as a critical logistics hub, sustaining Russia’s long-term military operations across Syria and the wider region.

Meanwhile, in the Mediterranean, Russia’s Tartus Naval Base serves as Moscow’s maritime gateway to the region—the only Russian naval facility in these waters.

Once a modest refueling station, Tartus has undergone a dramatic transformation, expanding since a 2017 agreement with Syria to accommodate larger warships, including submarines and destroyers.

With Khmeimim and Tartus firmly under its control, Russia has done more than just cement its influence over the Syrian conflict—it has strategically embedded itself into the very fabric of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean geopolitics, ensuring that its presence in the region remains unchallenged for years to come.

Beyond Khmeimim and Tartus, Russia has established multiple smaller bases and outposts across Syria.

• In Qamishli, northeastern Syria, Russian forces are stationed near Kurdish- and Turkish-controlled areas, positioning themselves as a stabilizing force amid ongoing regional tensions.

• In Palmyra and Deir ez-Zor, Russia operates ground bases that provide logistical and operational support for counter-ISIS operations and direct military backing for Assad’s forces in reclaiming key territories.

• Additionally, Moscow maintains a network of smaller control posts and outposts, strategically positioned to oversee critical supply routes and reinforce Assad’s hold over Syria.

 

With its vast military footprint spanning Syria, Russia has done more than just entrench itself in the conflict—it has engineered a long-term stronghold, positioning itself as a decisive power broker in shaping the political and security future of the Middle East.

Moscow’s influence is no longer just a presence—it is a force that will dictate the region’s trajectory for years to come.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA