Israel has increased airstrikes on Syria, accusing their Turkish allies of trying to turn the country into a Turkish protectorate. The strikes targeted air bases and sites near Damascus and the southwest, highlighting Israeli concerns about the rising threat of the new Islamist rulers in Syria. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the airstrikes were a warning to protect the security of Israel. Reflecting Israeli concerns about Turkish influence, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Ankara of playing a negative role in Syria and other regions.