In an unusual statement issued during Shabbos, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz revealed new details about the Israeli strike on the Abu al-Duhur military airfield in Syria, saying that the operation was carried out following unequivocal intelligence regarding Turkey’s intentions to carry out activities there that would endanger Israel’s security.

Katz said that the IDF has recommended several times to strike the air base, but it was decided to first deliver a direct warning to the Syrian regime to thwart the move. At the same time, the intelligence on Turkey’s plan was relayed to the  Trump administration.

“When the Syrian regime did not respond to the warning, the attack, which was carried out successfully, was approved,” Katz said. “Erdogan was caught with his hand in the cookie jar and was forced to retreat”

Katz also slammed statements by opposition figures and Trump’s envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, claiming that the strike was politically motivated. Barrack claimed in a recent interview that the Israeli strike may have been motivated by political considerations aimed at “baiting Turkey” and heating up the front ahead of Israel’s elections.

“The attempt to paint the security operation in political colors stems from ignorance, a lack of understanding of Israel’s security interests, and a constant desire to attack the government,” Katz said.

In the interview, Barrack also called the Golan Heights “occupied Syrian territory,” sparking fury in Jerusalem.

Katz said that Barrack’s remarks about the Golan Heights were riddled with inaccuracies and directly contradicted the historic position of President Trump himself, who recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019.

(YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)