U.S. Backs Israel’s Self-Defense Right Amid Syria-Turkey Tensions

A U.S. State Department spokesperson said Washington supports Israel’s right to defend itself against security threats while urging restraint and dialogue amid tensions involving Syria and Turkey. The spokesperson said the United States is maintaining contacts with Jerusalem, Damascus and Ankara through several channels to prevent escalation. The response followed Israel’s strike on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase and Israeli concerns over Turkish military entrenchment in Syria. U.S.-mediated contacts have also included a Jordan meeting between Mossad Director Roman Gofman and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani aimed at lowering tensions and reviving security talks.