The risk of a more direct confrontation between Israel and Turkey against the backdrop of the Syrian conflict is causing serious concern.
Behind the scenes, talks are underway through a secret channel to prevent a possible conflict between Israel and Turkey. The Israeli state broadcaster Kan reported the news, citing a high-ranking security official.
“Israel does not wish to turn Turkey into an enemy. However, when warnings fall on deaf ears, Israel is forced to act.”
High-ranking Israeli
official The statements come in the wake of reports in Israel according to which Jerusalem had attempted to warn Ankara before striking a base in Syria last week.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Syria has, however, become a battleground for competing strategic interests. Ankara is attempting to expand its political influence in the new Syrian reality, while Israel is setting limits on any military presence that might threaten its security. Israel is articulating its red lines. No Turkish military activity in Syria, demilitarization of the Syrian side of the Golan Heights, and no weapon systems in the hands of the Syrian Army.
Channels for de-escalation
Behind the scenes, de-escalation channels have been opened, with the U.S. actively pushing to prevent a conflict on the ground. Donald Trump is pushing for an agreement between Israel and Syria, even as Israel continues to express deep mistrust toward the authorities in Damascus.
U.S. pressure also led to yesterday’s latest behind-the-scenes contact between Israeli and Syrian officials in an effort to de-escalate tensions and resume talks. The creation of a special mechanism in Jordan under U.S. supervision to prevent military conflict in Syria was also discussed.
Syrian Foreign Minister Seibani and Mossad Director Goffman met to prevent the escalation of tensions into a conflict. It was reported that the parties aimed to revive negotiations and reach a comprehensive agreement.
Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. It has also deployed troops in the UN-patrolled security zone along the Golan Heights.
Watch Evangelos Agapios’s report:
