Israel stepped up airstrikes on Syria, declaring the attacks a warning to the new Islamist rulers in Damascus as it accused their ally Turkey on Thursday of trying to turn the country into a Turkish protectorate.

Israel is increasing its attacks in Syria, drawing Turkey into a potential battle for influence and control. Though four months have passed since the collapse of former strongman Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and its replacement by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS),