Tensions between Israel and Turkey escalate in Syria: ‘It’s time to pay attention’

Israel rejected Türkiye’s accusations on Tuesday after Ankara condemned Israeli military operations in Syria. As Türkiye expands its operations in the war-torn country, The rising tensions have increased the rift between the two countries. and sparked concerns about regional stability. and the fate of U.S.-backed Kurdish forces fighting ISIS.

on monday The Turkish Foreign Ministry criticized Israel for expanding settlements in the Golan Heights. By calling Israel a part of Turkey has called on Israel to abide by the 1974 disarmament agreement, which established a ceasefire between Israel and Syria.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the agreement invalid. They argued that the agreement no longer applies. after forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad abandoned their positions on the Syrian side during the country’s civil war. Netanyahu described the Golan Heights as an important security barrier. and is a key part of Israel’s defense strategy against Iran and Hezbollah. which operates in Syria

Trump said Türkiye ‘Hostly revolt’ in Syria as US-run ceasefire looms seems to fail

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting Tuesday at Mount Hermon with Defense Minister Israel Katz, Army Chief of Staff Col. Herzi Halevi, Northern Command Commander Major General Uri Gordin and Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar. (IDF)

on Tuesday Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a response: X. “Türkiye has systematically invaded Syrian territory… About 15% of Syria’s territory is under Turkish-backed control. In these areas Turkish currency is used and Turkish banks Branches and postal services are now open.

“Moreover. Turkish soldiers bomb infrastructure in Syria’s northeastern region using planes and UAVs. Turkey supports jihadist forces operating against the Syrian Kurds. The last country that can talk about occupation in Syria is Türkiye… None of it makes any sense. For the Turkish aggression and violence against the Kurds in Syria!”

The Israel Defense Forces has announced that it is reinforcing the border with Syria on the Golan Heights. After the developments in Syria (IDF Spokesperson Unit)

The unusually sharp exchange reflected a new low in bilateral relations. According to Gallia Lindenstrauss Senior Research Fellow at the National Security Studies Institute “Relations between Israel and Türkiye are now at their lowest point in decades,” she told Fox News Digital. Türkiye imposes complete trade embargo on Israel. By cutting all direct links. This is unprecedented for a country that maintains diplomatic relations.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rhetoric has worsened relations. His support for Hamas which was carried out in October The seventh attack on Israel and accusations of ‘Genocide’ in Gaza angers Israel “We have to be very strong so that Israel doesn’t do these nonsense to Palestine,” Erdogan said in July. “Just as we entered Karabakh. Just as we entered Libya. We might do the same to them.”

Leading US ally, SDF commander in Syria warns of ISIS return if Turkish airstrikes are not stopped.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan talks to attendees during a rally to show solidarity with the Palestinians. In Istanbul on Saturday, October 10, 28. (AP/Emrah Gourel)

Erdogan also called on Islamic nations to unite against Israel. By calling Israel “The most concrete threat to regional and global peace,” Lindenstrauss stressed, is Turkey’s support for Hamas, which is a key source of tension. “Türkiye supports Hamas. and would like to see Hamas remain in charge of Gaza after the war,” she explains.

Israel remains increasingly concerned about Türkiye’s military build-up in northern Syria. Lindenstrauss It says Ankara’s ambitions are growing. “Turkey controls the northern region and supports the rebels against Assad,” she said. “The question now is whether Turkish influence will extend to the south. It positions Ankara as the patron of the emerging regime.”

Lindenstrauss It emphasizes its reliance on Qatar for financial support. It was in reference to Erdogan’s recent meeting with the Qatari Emir. “Türkiye cannot maintain its influence in Syria alone,” she said. “It needs the cooperation of the Persian Gulf states. especially from Qatar Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates to financially support the reconstruction of Syria.”

The United States warns Americans to flee Syria or prepare to “shelter for an extended period of time.”

Rebels in northwestern Syria seize government military vehicles en route to Kweris airport in the eastern Aleppo countryside on Dec. 1, 2 Nov. 2024. (Rami Alsayed/NurPhoto via APRami Alsayed/NurPhoto via AP)

Türkiye’s focus remains on breaking Kurdish control in northern Syria. This is especially true around Kobani, an iconic Kurdish city. Ankara’s current strategy harkens back to the 2019 invasion that displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.

“The Kurds control the prisons that hold thousands of ISIS fighters,” Lindenstrauss said. “These prisons are critical to the United States, Israel, and the West. Weakening control over the Kurds could risk regional destabilization and the resurgence of ISIS.”

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Displaced Kurds leave refugee camps in northern Aleppo. Escaped to Afrin on 1 December 4/2024. (Ugur Yildirim/Image DIA/Abaca/Sipa USA (Sipa via AP Images)

As Türkiye’s presence increases in Syria Analysts warn that a clash with Israel may be inevitable, said Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak of Tel Aviv University’s Moshe Dayan Center. It is similar to Türkiye’s intervention in Libya and Azerbaijan. “If Turkish forces move closer to Israeli operations or allies, The risk of accidental confrontation increases significantly,” he told the TPS-IL news agency.

Despite his sharp rhetoric But experts argue that both countries have an interest in avoiding direct conflict. “Türkiye’s main interests lie in northern Syria. Meanwhile Israel is focused on the south,” Lindenstrauss said. “Israel and Türkiye can create a de-confliction channel with Russia in Syria to avoid conflict. A similar mechanism is necessary here. Even though these mechanisms operate silently.”

Yanarocak warns of increased risk. “The sky’s the limit on how bad this situation can get,” he said. “It’s time to pay attention.”