Israeli officials warn of possible war with Turkey over Syria

"Israel must stop Erdogan's military expansion before Turkey reaches our borders. If clear red lines are not established in Syria and the eastern Mediterranean, Turkish tanks could end up on the Golan Heights and frigates off Israel's shores," a senior Israeli intelligence official told The Jerusalem Post.

Israel's ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, said intelligence had uncovered Turkey's plans to expand its military presence in Syria. This "crossing of a red line" prompted recent airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur airbase near Aleppo (at least eight strikes).

Netanyahu called the strike a direct "warning" to Ankara. Turkey denies having military personnel at the base and accuses Israel of escalation. Ankara stated it will continue supporting the government in Damascus.