U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, publicly criticized Israel over an unusual airstrike in Syria overnight, calling the attack a “completely unnecessary escalation” that risks undermining regional stability.

“We are deeply concerned that the confirmed Israeli airstrikes at Abu al-Duhur Airbase constitute an unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability,” Barrack said.

Barrack argued that the government of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has not adopted an aggressive posture and does not maintain proxy forces, saying Damascus has instead repeatedly expressed a preference for reducing tensions with Israel.

The U.S. envoy said Washington has hosted talks between the sides in the past and will continue doing so in an effort to encourage Israel and Syria to pursue diplomacy rather than military action.

Barrack said lasting de-escalation agreements are built through sustained dialogue with all relevant countries and parties, adding that the United States continues to believe “restraint and dialogue offer a more constructive path.”

The rare criticism came after foreign reports said Israeli aircraft struck the Abu al-Duhur Airbase in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province early Tuesday. A Syrian military source said the strikes damaged the airfield’s runways but caused no casualties among Syrian troops stationed at the base.

The attack reportedly came immediately after a Turkish military delegation visited the site to examine efforts to rehabilitate its runway.

The strike also comes amid Israeli concerns over Syria’s efforts to rebuild its air force. According to a Kan News report last week, Israeli defense officials have identified an acceleration in those efforts, including the recruitment of new pilots, training with aircraft and helicopters, and the first exercise involving Sukhoi fighter jets in northern Syria.

Under al-Sharaa, Syria has received support from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Russia, France and other countries. At the same time, discussions have continued over a potential future security agreement with Israel.

Israeli defense officials are reportedly particularly concerned about a growing Turkish military presence in Syria, including the potential deployment of air-defense systems that could restrict Israel’s freedom of operation in Syrian airspace.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)