Introduction
It has been reported that Israel and Türkiye have secret communication channels aimed at maintaining dialogue and preventing potential friction despite rising tensions in Syria. According to Israeli security sources, Tel Aviv says it does not view Türkiye as an adversary and aims to preserve the status quo. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also said that they do not want to escalate tensions with Türkiye and prefer diplomatic solutions to disputes.
Developments
Although Israel does not entirely oppose strengthening the Syrian army, it considers the emergence of new threats near its borders and restrictions on its air force’s freedom of action to be red lines. Tel Aviv informed the United States that Ankara was preparing to deploy radar systems and air defense systems operated by Turkish troops at an airfield in Syria. Israel also stresses that it will not allow interceptor batteries, UAV runways, missiles, or mini-UAV systems that would alter the strategic balance to be brought into the country.
Details
The Israeli military maintains that a large part of Syria must be demilitarized and that air superiority over Syrian airspace must be preserved. The Abu al-Duhur Military Airbase, approximately 70 kilometers from the Turkish border, is being considered for a potential Turkish deployment. Israeli officials, however, say that Türkiye has reduced its presence in northern Syria and that many bases are empty.