Huckabee: Israel's Syria strike a warning shot to Turkey

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told The Jerusalem Post that Washington has concerns over recent statements from Turkish officials, and that President Trump is working to ease tensions between Israel and Turkey. Huckabee described Israel's August 18 strike on Syria's Abu al-Duhur airbase — which reportedly came just before Turkish troops and air-defense systems were due to deploy there — as a warning shot, comparing it to a pitcher "brushing the batter back": "You've proven your point, but I'm about to prove mine. If you don't step back from the plate, the next one is going to hit you hard." He noted Israel avoided casualties and destroyed only the runway. Asked if Turkey would ultimately help or hurt regional stability, Huckabee said it's too early to tell, adding, "Let's hope that they will decide to be helpful."