'Israel' alarmed as US plans gradual troop withdrawal from Syria: Ynet
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Yedioth Ahronoth says Israeli officials are expressing "grave concern" over the potential consequences of an American pullout from Syria.
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In this Monday, October 28, 2019, file photo, US forces patrol Syrian oil fields in eastern Syria. (AP)
US security officials have notified their Israeli counterparts of Washington’s intention to begin a gradual withdrawal of American forces from Syria within two months, according to a recent report published by Yedioth Ahronoth.
The report revealed that the Israeli government has attempted to dissuade Washington from proceeding with the withdrawal but has been informed that these efforts have failed. Despite this, "Israel’s" security establishment continues to pressure the US in hopes of reversing the decision, the report pointed out.
It highlighted that the move aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader push to reduce the US military footprint in the Middle East, reflecting an isolationist approach endorsed by senior figures in his administration, including Vice President JD Vance.
According to the Israeli newspaper, Washington has kept Tel Aviv regularly informed of developments, with Israeli officials expressing "grave concern" over the potential consequences of an American pullout from Syria.
A senior Israeli security official told Yedioth Ahronoth that current assessments in "Israel" suggest the US withdrawal may be only partial, adding that Tel Aviv is working to limit its extent as much as possible in fear that Turkey may seek to fill the power vacuum in strategic areas of northeastern Syria.
The report indicated that Israeli officials regard the existing US military presence in these regions as a stabilizing force and worry that a drawdown could embolden Turkey to expand its control into militarily significant areas within neighboring Syria.
According to the report, "Israel" has conveyed to both Turkey and the US that any Turkish deployment at key military installations, such as the T4 airbase in central Syria or in Palmyra, would be seen as "crossing red lines" and could directly impact the Israeli military’s "freedom" of operation along its northern front.
Yedioth Ahronoth also highlighted that the anticipated US withdrawal, coupled with Trump’s overtly "friendly relationship" toward Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, most recently during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has led Israeli security agencies to increase their readiness and alert levels.
The Israeli newspaper added that “Trump’s offer to mediate between "Israel" and Turkey is not reassuring, especially in light of the ongoing preparations on the ground for the withdrawal from Syria.”
It further mentioned that the recent Israeli strikes on the T4 airbase form part of a "race against time" before American forces begin their withdrawal from Syria.
Read more: 'Israel' needs to adapt to Turkey’s influence in Syria: Israeli media
