Reuters on Friday revealed that "Israel" is actively lobbying the US to maintain Syria in a weakened and divided state, promoting a strategy that allows Russia to keep its military bases in the country. According to four sources familiar with the discussions, "Israel" views Russia's continued presence as a way to counter Turkey's growing influence, which "Israel" perceives as a threat to its expansionist agenda.

Amidst the war on Gaza, tensions between "Israel" and Turkey have escalated, particularly as Turkey backs Syria's new Islamist leadership, which emerged following the deposition of Bashar al-Assad. Israeli officials have been pressuring the US to maintain harsh sanctions on Syria, aimed at preventing the stabilization of the new leadership and ensuring Syria remains fragmented.

According to three US sources and another individual involved in the discussions, "Israel" presented its demands during meetings in Washington in February. These views were reiterated during meetings in occupied Palestine with US Congressional representatives. Two sources noted that "Israel" also distributed a "white paper" to select senior US officials, outlining its strategy for keeping Syria weak.

"Israel's big fear is that Turkey comes in and protects this new Syrian Islamist order, which then ends up being a base for Hamas and other militants," said Aron Lund, a fellow at the US-based think tank Century International.

Read more: Former Turkish PM suggests that Gaza become Turkish territory

After Assad's removal, "Israel" intensified its military aggression, launching airstrikes on Syrian military sites and deploying forces within a UN-monitored demilitarized zone in Syria. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly declared that "Israel" would not tolerate the presence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) or any other factions allied with Syria's new rulers in southern Syria.

Due to fears of Turkish expansion, "Israel" has been insisting on maintaining Russian military bases in Tartus and Latakia. During meetings with US officials, some American attendees were reportedly surprised by "Israel's" stance, given Turkey's status as a NATO ally. Nevertheless, Israeli representatives were "adamant" that Russia's presence would better serve "Israel's" interests than allowing Turkey to gain influence in Syria.

Meanwhile, Syria's new leadership is working to stabilize the country and rebuild diplomatic relations with neighboring Arab states. Despite these efforts, Israeli officials continue to push narratives suggesting that Syria's new government could pose a threat to "Israel". 

Read more: Despite 'anger', Syria asserts not a threat to 'Israel': Israeli media