Reuters reported today (Wednesday) that Mossad chief Roman Gofman had his first phone call with Syrian Foreign Minister Asad al-Sheibani on August 14 since taking office in June. According to sources familiar with the matter, the two discussed the Turkish military presence in Syria during the call, as well as direct and extraordinary contacts between the top brass of the Israeli security establishment and the political echelon in Damascus amid regional tensions.

The comments come amid growing tensions on the northern front, and as C14 reported, following the Israeli attack on Abu al-Duhur airport, which was intended to block the establishment of a Turkish military base in Syria. During a tour of southern Syrian territories, the Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, sent a strong and clear message to Ankara, making it clear that Israel will not allow hostile forces to establish themselves on the border or create a significant military threat to its borders.
