Israel concerned over Iranian & Turkish ambitions amid US troop withdrawal from northern Syria

The United States has informed Israel that it soon plans to withdraw large parts of its current troop contingent in northern Syria, raising Israeli concerns that Turkey may be emboldened to expand its presence in the region, while the Kurds might seek support from Iran.

There are approximately 2,000 U.S. troops currently stationed at multiple bases across northeastern Syria. Their mission is to support and collaborate with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in combating the remaining elements of ISIS.

A senior Israeli official told Ynet News that Jerusalem is trying to convince the White House to limit the withdrawal, which it fears could increase Turkey’s “appetite” to strengthen its control in the region.

In addition, Channel 12 News reported that Israeli officials are concerned that the Kurdish Forces, which are being pressured by Turkish-aligned militias, could turn to Iran for help.

This could provide the Iranian regime with an opportunity to re-establish a foothold in northern Syria after being pushed out of Syria by the new Islamist-dominated government that replaced the Assad regime.

U.S. officials told Reuters that the withdrawal, expected to begin within two months, could involve as much as half the total troop strength. The drawdown is anticipated to take place in phases, with withdrawals planned for June, September, and a later unspecified date.

According to the report, the withdrawals could leave only around 1,000 American troops in Syria. However, another official said the numbers have not been confirmed and noted that the U.S. is currently building up its forces in the region due to escalating tensions with Iran.

The Iranians and Hezbollah have not abandoned their intentions to re-establish a foothold on Syrian soil. The motivation for this exists. In our assessment, this could be expressed in the near future through new cooperation with local forces based on various interests and… pic.twitter.com/BHybb4yYvW

— Israel-Alma (@Israel_Alma_org) April 17, 2025

While several reports agree that Israel has been kept up-to-date on the U.S. plans, Channel 12 said Israel was only informed of the decision after the fact and has not been consulted.

The Israeli security think tank Alma Research Center estimated that “the motivation of Iran and Hezbollah to re-establish a foothold in the Syrian part of the corridor will increase even more” in the event of a U.S. withdrawal.

“All this even before a possible American withdrawal from the al-Tanf region in southeastern Syria. In such a case, the potential is created for a significant shortening of the corridor route towards Lebanon and the southern Syrian region, with an emphasis on the Daraa province adjacent to Israel, to be re-exposed to Iranian influence and foothold.”

Tensions between Israel and NATO member Turkey, who are both major U.S. allies, almost escalated into a direct confrontation recently, after Israel bombed several Syrian bases that Turkey had reportedly planned to seize.

If Turkey were to deploy long-range air defense systems in central Syria, Israel’s aerial freedom of action would be significantly threatened.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump, who has good relations with both countries’ leaders, recently indicated that he would help to mediate.

In addition, delegations from Turkey and Israel recently met in Azerbaijan. Both countries confirmed that they are working on a deconfliction mechanism to avoid clashes between the region’s two most powerful militaries.

In March, the majority-Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces agreed to merge their armed forces with the newly established defense ministry of the Syrian government in Damascus.