Israel is actively lobbying the United States to maintain Russian military bases in Syria as part of a strategy to keep the country weak and decentralized, according to multiple sources familiar with diplomatic communications [1][2].

The diplomatic initiative comes amid growing concerns over Turkey's increasing influence in Syria following the recent ouster of Bashar al-Assad. Israeli officials have expressed particular concern about Syria's new Islamist leadership, which has ties to Ankara [2].

During February meetings in Washington and subsequent discussions with U.S. Congressional representatives in Israel, Israeli officials presented their position through direct talks and a formal white paper. The core argument advocates for preserving Russia's Mediterranean naval base in Tartus province and its Hmeimim air base in Latakia province [3].

"Israel's big fear is that Turkey comes in and protects this new Syrian Islamist order, which then ends up being a base for Hamas and other militants," said Aron Lund, a fellow at Century International [1].

The situation has created an unusual alignment of interests, with Israel preferring Russian military presence over that of Turkey, a NATO member. This position surprised some U.S. officials during recent meetings [2].

Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has attempted to ease regional tensions, stating in December that Damascus does not seek conflict with Israel. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently declared Israel would not tolerate the presence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) or affiliated forces in southern Syria [4].

The Trump administration has yet to indicate its position on these proposals, leaving uncertainty about both the future of sanctions against Syria and the status of U.S. forces in the northeast [3].