“Our song is good…” Israel urges US to keep Russian bases in Syria – Reuters

For several years, Israel has maintained a “cautious” stance on the war in Ukraine, avoiding direct confrontation with Russia. The main argument from Jerusalem was the “need to maintain relations with Moscow, as Russian troops were stationed in Syria, right on Israel’s border”.

But now, everything has suddenly changed.

Instead of distancing itself from Russia, writes Reuters on February 28, 2025, Israel is now lobbying Washington to keep Russian military bases in Syria.

Not long ago, Moscow was seen as a destabilizing factor, “limiting Israeli military operations in the region”. Now, however, its presence is being presented as “necessary for maintaining security”.

Why has the Israeli government suddenly changed its position? A question worth asking.

Three key reasons for the shift in rhetoric

Reuters reports that Israeli officials explain their position to the U.S. as follows:

1️⃣ Fear of Turkey’s growing influence

• Relations between Israel and Turkey have sharply deteriorated following the war in Gaza.
• Israel fears that Syria’s new Islamist authorities, supported by Ankara, could become a base for Hamas and other radical groups.
• If Russia leaves, Turkey will take its place and expand its influence in the region, which is not in Jerusalem’s interests.

2️⃣ Containing Iran

• Israel seeks to limit Iran’s influence in Syria.
• As long as Russian troops remain in the region, Tehran has fewer opportunities to expand its presence.
• The withdrawal of Russian forces could strengthen Hezbollah and other pro-Iranian groups.

3️⃣ Maintaining the status quo in Syria

• Unlike Turkey and Iran, Russia is not interested in radicalizing Syria.
• For Israel, it is crucial that the northern border remains stable and predictable.

How does Israel justify its position to the U.S.?

During closed-door meetings in Washington, Israeli officials argued that Russia must keep its naval base in Tartus and its airbase in Hmeimim, Latakia.

This argument reportedly caused “surprise” among some American officials.

According to Reuters, U.S. representatives countered that Turkey, as a NATO member, would be a better guarantor of Israel’s security. However, Israeli diplomats remained adamant in their stance.

Why is Israel lobbying for a Russian presence in Syria?

This remains one of the most unexpected (to say the least) developments in Israeli diplomacy.

Just a year ago, Moscow was seen as a threat. Now, Jerusalem is actively advocating for its continued presence.

How has Israel’s position changed?

The changes speak for themselves…

How is the U.S. responding to Israel’s lobbying?

The Trump administration has yet to give a clear response.

Earlier, Washington considered easing sanctions on Syria in exchange for Russia withdrawing its troops, but the deal was never finalized due to the presidential transition.

Now that Israel is actively pushing for Russia’s continued presence, the U.S. may reconsider its stance.

“Syria is barely even on Trump’s radar. It’s a low priority, and there’s a political vacuum that needs to be filled.”
— Aron Lund, Century International analyst.

How are Moscow and Ankara reacting to Israel’s moves?

Russia’s Position

The Kremlin has made no official comments, but its interests are clear:

• The Tartus base is Russia’s only naval facility in the Mediterranean.
• The Hmeimim airbase is a key strategic point for controlling the region.

Turkey’s Position

Ankara is keen to diminish Moscow’s and Tehran’s influence in Syria.

“Turkey wants Syria to be stable and not pose a threat to its neighbors.”
— Statement from the Turkish government.

Turkish officials are openly saying that “Israel is playing a double game” by lobbying Washington to maintain Russia’s presence in Syria.

What’s next?

At the moment, several key questions remain:

• Will Trump accept Israel’s proposal and allow Russian bases to remain in Syria?
• How will Ankara react to a possible Moscow-Jerusalem alliance?
• How will this affect Israel’s policy toward Ukraine?

Conclusion

• Israel has unexpectedly started defending Russia’s military bases in Syria, citing the need to contain Turkey and Iran.
• The Trump administration has yet to respond to this proposal.
• Moscow and Ankara are closely watching the situation, but their interests remain in conflict.

The situation remains uncertain. Follow the latest developments on NAnews — Israel News.