Turkey aims to avoid conflict with Israel in Syria

Turkey, a NATO member, has been navigating its complicated relationship with Israel amidst heightened tensions in Syria. In recent statements, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized Ankara's desire to avoid armed conflict with Israel, particularly as the Israeli military has intensified its airstrikes in Syria. These actions have been seen as detrimental to Turkey's strategic interests in the region, especially concerning efforts to combat threats from groups like the Islamic State and to support the Syrian government. According to reports, Turkey is pursuing technical talks with Israel aimed at preventing misunderstandings between their military operations, although these discussions are not aimed at normalizing relations. Fidan’s remarks come at a time when Turkey has been criticized internationally for its military presence and actions within Syria. A Qatari report suggested that Ankara has made agreements with the regime in Damascus which involve establishing several Turkish military bases within Syrian territory. This has raised concerns from analysts regarding Turkey's influence and role in reshaping the political landscape in Syria, particularly after the perceived decline of Russian influence following the conflict. Tensions escalated further as Fidan noted that Israel’s ongoing strikes are destructive to the stability efforts of the Syrian government. He pointed out that these attacks negatively impact efforts led by the Syrian group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham against various threats, which complicates the overall security environment in the area. Despite Israel's justifications for its military actions, Fidan's comments underscore a deeper concern about the ramifications of continued Israeli involvement in Syria and its implications for Turkey's strategic position in the Middle East. Amidst these developments, the relationship between Turkey and Israel has reached a historical low. Recent statements from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, including his public calls for the destruction of Israel, have further strained bilateral relations. Despite Turkey’s criticisms and actions, Fidan reaffirmed that Ankara seeks to avoid any confrontation with Israel, emphasizing the sovereignty of Syria and its alignment with the interests of its people. The complex interplay of military, political, and diplomatic considerations continues to shape the prospective future of Turkish-Israeli relations in a highly volatile region.