A provocative Israeli airstrike on Syria’s Idlib province has ignited a political firestorm within Israel, with opposition figures and former security officials accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prioritising his political survival over national security. The August 18 attack on the Abu Zuhur military airbase, located just kilometres from Türkiye’s southern frontier, has been widely condemned as an unnecessary provocation that risks alienating key allies. Critics argue that Netanyahu’s calculations are divorced from strategic reality, threatening to isolate Israel on the international stage.
Opposition leader warns of reckless provocation
Yair Golan, leader of the Israeli Democrats party, described Netanyahu’s move as “insolent and dangerous,” asserting that the prime minister is deliberately stoking tensions with Türkiye while deepening rifts with the United States. “This government cannot build stable regional relationships,” Golan stated, characterising Netanyahu as an “extreme and unreliable” actor. He further claimed that the prime minister is manufacturing conflict to remain politically viable, warning that “Israel is being pushed away from its partners and allies” through this confrontational approach.
Former PM condemns ‘derailed’ leadership
Ehud Barak, who previously served as Israel’s prime minister, delivered a scathing rebuke on social media, accusing Netanyahu of exploiting security tensions for electoral gain ahead of the October 27 polls. Barak labelled the escalation with Türkiye as “irresponsible” and “foolish,” emphasising that Ankara cannot be equated with Assad’s Syria or Iran. “Netanyahu has completely derailed,” Barak declared, suggesting that diplomatic channels coordinated with Washington could resolve outstanding issues. He also noted that the premier’s policies are unsettling even Israel’s dwindling circle of international allies.
Ex-defence chief calls for removal
Moshe Yaalon, a former military chief of staff and defence minister, issued the most forceful demand, urging opposition leaders to focus on removing Netanyahu from power. Yaalon argued that such a move is essential to “save the lives of civilians and soldiers” and “prevent destruction.” He specifically pointed to the Syrian airstrike as creating a new front of tension with Türkiye while simultaneously drawing US disapproval. Yaalon’s call reflects growing concern within Israel’s security establishment over the trajectory of Netanyahu’s decision-making.
Russian warning echoes regional unease
The domestic backlash coincides with a stark warning from Russian Lieutenant General Apti Alaudinov, who told TASS news agency that Israel’s “perpetual war” strategy could ultimately threaten its existence as a state. “In the end, Israel will overestimate its power and become unable to survive as a state,” the Russian commander stated. His comments underscore the broader regional anxiety over Tel Aviv’s increasingly aggressive posture, which many analysts fear could trigger a wider confrontation involving NATO member Türkiye and other regional powers.
