Recent developments in Syria have reignited concerns within Israel's security establishment, particularly following foreign reports of an Israeli airstrike on the Abu al-Duhur airfield. The strike, reportedly aimed at preventing Turkish military entrenchment in the area, drew American criticism for what Washington called unnecessary escalation.
In an interview with Yossi Sergobsky on Kikar Hashabat, Dr. Haim Golubovitz, a Middle East scholar and expert, addressed both the reports of nuclear material in Syrian hands and rising tensions with Turkey. According to Golubovitz, beyond the nuclear question itself, the more significant development is the broader regional picture—particularly Turkey's attempt to deepen its grip on Syria.
From Chemical Weapons to Nuclear Ambitions
Throughout the Assad family's rule, Golubovitz explained, Syria's military efforts focused primarily on chemical weapons. Simultaneously, however, a limited Syrian nuclear program was developed with North Korean assistance.
That program came to light following the 2007 Israeli strike on the al-Kibar reactor, an operation attributed to Israel. Now, years later, the issue of nuclear materials remaining in Syria has resurfaced.
Golubovitz noted that in discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the possibility of transferring Syrian-held material to international supervision was raised. However, Damascus later clarified its intention to retain the material, claiming it was designated for civilian purposes and permitted under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Syria's declaration of intent to pursue a civilian nuclear program is itself an unusual development, he said. "The Assad regime, which had considerable self-confidence and ruled Syria with an iron fist, never dared to formally announce it wanted nuclear capabilities for peaceful purposes," Golubovitz observed.
