Erdoğan lambasts Israel for undermining stability in Syria

Erdoğan Criticizes Israel’s Actions in Syria Amidst Diplomatic Engagements

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has lambasted Israel for undermining stability in Syria, a neighboring nation, during a recent diplomatic forum. This criticism arises just days after Turkey and Israel engaged in discussions aimed at de-escalating the escalating tensions between them within Syrian territory. The fragile regional balance and ongoing Syrian conflict remain key concerns in international diplomacy.

Turkish President Warns Against Further Instability in Syria

Addressing attendees at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, situated on Turkey’s southern coast, Erdoğan declared, “Turkey will not permit Syria to be plunged into a renewed cycle of instability.” He accused Israel of “attempting to sabotage the December 8th revolution,” referencing the uprising that led to the removal of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after his long tenure.

Turkey Seeks Regional Cooperation for Syrian Stability

Erdoğan stated, “We are in close dialogue and share a mutual understanding with all significant actors in the region, notably including Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin, regarding the preservation of Syria’s territorial integrity and stability.” This highlights Turkey’s proactive diplomatic approach to the complex Syrian situation and its engagement with key global powers.

High-Level Attendees at Antalya Diplomacy Forum

The forum attracted prominent figures, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Erdoğan and Sharaa held a meeting on the sidelines of the Antalya conference, indicating the importance of direct dialogue in navigating regional challenges.

Turkey Advocates for Sanctions Relief for Syria

According to the Turkish presidency, Erdoğan reiterated Ankara’s efforts to have sanctions against Syria lifted. He conveyed to Sharaa that Turkey “welcomes the fact that those seeking to reignite chaos in Syria are being prevented from succeeding.” This underscores Turkey’s policy towards the new Syrian administration and its stance against destabilizing forces.

Rising Tensions Following Syrian Leadership Change and Israeli Airstrikes

Relations between Israel and Turkey have become increasingly strained since Assad’s removal from power. Tensions reached a high point following reported Israeli airstrikes on three Syrian military bases earlier this month. News sources indicated that Turkish military teams had surveyed key Syrian airfields, including Hama airport and the T4 and Palmyra air bases in Homs. This assessment was reportedly conducted to evaluate the feasibility of deploying forces and military equipment as part of a prospective joint defense agreement between Ankara and Damascus.

Israel’s Stance on Military Actions in Syria

In response to the airstrikes, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz characterized them as “a clear message and warning for the future.” This statement reflects Israel’s assertive posture regarding its security interests in the region and its willingness to employ military force.

Israel’s Military Operations in Syria

Israel has reportedly conducted numerous strikes against military targets within Syria since Assad’s departure to Moscow several months ago. These operations have allegedly targeted military assets, including missile systems and air defenses, intended for the transitional government in Damascus. These actions illustrate the complexities of the security landscape in post-Assad Syria.

Shift in Syrian Power Dynamics

The ousting of Assad marked the end of over five decades of authoritarian rule by his family and brought a halt to a protracted civil war that had evolved into a frozen proxy conflict. In this conflict, Russia and Iran, backers of the former regime, were pitted against forces supported by Ankara in northern Syria, alongside an American military presence in eastern and southern regions.

Turkey’s Support for New Syrian Government

Following the ascendance of Sharaa’s forces in Damascus, Turkey has emerged as a key regional supporter of Syria’s fledgling transitional government. Ankara’s backing is crucial for the new Syrian administration as it navigates the complexities of governance and regional politics.

Turkey and Syria Explore Defense Cooperation

Turkish officials have rapidly established connections with Damascus, engaging in negotiations for a potential defense pact. This agreement could grant Turkish forces access to Syrian airspace and the establishment of ground bases. Concurrently, Israel has expanded its long-standing occupation of the Golan Heights, extending it into a designated buffer zone after Assad’s departure. These developments suggest a shifting security architecture in the region.

Analyst Views on Turkish-Israeli Dynamics in Syria

Aron Lund, an analyst at Century International, a New York-based think tank, commented on the situation, stating, “Assad had Russia as his protector during the latter part of the Syrian civil war. If Turkey intervenes and begins deploying air defense systems or introducing aircraft into Syrian airspace, it significantly restricts Israel’s operational freedom.” This analysis highlights the potential constraints on Israeli military actions due to increased Turkish involvement.

Challenges for Turkey in Syria

Lund further elaborated on Turkey’s challenges: “For Turkey, the issue is not solely Israel’s objection to their military presence, but also actions that, intentionally or unintentionally, impede or prevent the development of a functional government in Syria, such as stipulating that the new Sharaa government cannot deploy forces south of Damascus.” This perspective underscores the intricate political and security hurdles facing Turkey in its Syrian policy.

Israeli Military Incursion into Southern Syria

Earlier this month, Israeli military forces reportedly entered a remote town in the Daraa countryside, south of Damascus. Syrian state media reported civilian casualties, alleging nine deaths in shelling during this incursion, described as the deepest Israeli operation inside Syria to date. This incident exemplifies the volatile nature of the Israel-Syria border region.

Israeli Tourism Activity Near Border Region

Amidst limited indications of an imminent Israeli military withdrawal from the Mount Hermon area, an Israeli tour company has reportedly initiated twice-daily hiking tours in the region, in coordination with stationed troops. This development suggests a normalization of Israeli presence in the contested border area.

Diplomatic Talks in Azerbaijan Aim to De-escalate Tensions

In the wake of Israeli strikes on Syrian airbases, Turkey and Israel convened in Azerbaijan to explore avenues for de-escalating the escalating tensions in Syria. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that a high-level delegation of security and diplomatic officials met with their Turkish counterparts. Both sides reportedly agreed “to continue on the path of dialogue to maintain regional stability,” signaling a commitment to diplomatic solutions.

Turkish Foreign Minister on De-Confliction Mechanisms

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated to local broadcaster CNN Türk that “while we are conducting certain operations in Syria, a de-confliction mechanism with Israel is necessary, similar to those we have established with the US and Russia, given Israel’s air operations in the region.” This highlights Turkey’s recognition of the need for formalized communication channels to prevent unintended escalations.

Communication Channels Between Turkish and Israeli Military Teams

Fidan added that technical teams from both nations are in contact “when necessary” to “prevent combat elements from misinterpreting each other.” These ongoing communications are crucial for managing the complex military interactions in the Syrian theater.

Analyst Assesses Diplomatic Engagement as Positive Step

Lund characterized the diplomatic talks as “a very positive development,” considering the potential for clashes between the two powers in Syria, against the backdrop of broader regional conflicts, including the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza. He emphasized the critical need for communication to avoid unintended conflict escalation in the complex Syrian environment.

Need for Communication to Manage Regional Tensions

Lund concluded, “They will both be militarily involved in Syria, and this situation could escalate in numerous ways. Therefore, establishing red lines or communication channels is essential for managing this tension, and this dialogue appears to be a step in the right direction.” This underscores the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and communication to mitigate risks and maintain stability in the region.