Israeli strikes on Hama and Homs this week come amid an escalation in tensions with Turkey, as both countries seek to gain political leverage from the turmoil in Syria.

Israel targets Syrian airbases to warn Turkey against interference, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces protests at home and ramps up efforts to expand influence in Syria and region as a whole.

Israel defended the moves as necessary security measures, but Syria accused it of trying to destabilize the country.