Israel-Turkey tensions escalate over Syria: “It’s time to pay attention”
Israel refused Turkish accusations on Tuesday after Ankara condemned Israeli military actions in Syria as Turkey escalated its own operations in the war-torn country. The rising tensions have deepened the rift between the two nations and raised concerns about regional stability and the fate of U.S.-backed Kurdish forces fighting IS.
On Monday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry criticized Israel for expanding settlements in the Golan Heights, calling it part of Israel’s “border expansion through occupation.” Turkey called on Israel to abide by the 1974 disengagement agreement, which established a ceasefire between Israel and Syria.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the agreement void, arguing it 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 has described the Golan Heights as an important security buffer and an integral part Israel’s defense Strategy against Iran and Hezbollah operating in Syria.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Mount Hermon on Tuesday with Defense Minister Israel Katz, Chief of Staff Lt. Col. Herzi Halevi, Northern Command commander Maj. Gen. Uri Gordin and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. (IDF)
On Tuesday, Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued a response to X. “Turkey has systematically invaded Syrian territory…Approximately 15% of Syrian territory is under Turkish control. Turkish currency and a Turkish bank are used in these areas. Branches and postal services are operational.
“In addition, the Turkish military is bombing infrastructure in Syria’s northeastern autonomous region with aircraft and UAVs. Turkey supports jihadist forces operating against Kurds in Syria. The last country that can talk about an occupation in Syria is Turkey… There is no justification for Turkish aggression and violence against Kurds in Syria!”
The Israeli Defense Forces announced that they were strengthening their border with Syria in the Golan Heights due to developments in Syria. (IDF Spokesperson Unit.)
The unusually acrimonious exchange reflects a new low in bilateral relations, according to Gallia Lindenstrauss, a senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies. “Relations between Israel and Turkey are now at their lowest level in decades,” she told Fox News Digital. “In May, Turkey imposed a complete trade ban on Israel and cut all direct ties. This is unprecedented for countries that have diplomatic relations.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s rhetoric has further deteriorated relations. His support for Hamas, which carried out the October 7 attack on Israel, and his accusations of “genocide” in Gaza have drawn Israel’s ire. “We have to be very strong so that Israel cannot do these ridiculous things to Palestine,” Erdoğan said in July. “Just like we entered Karabakh, just like we entered Libya, we could do the same thing they did.”
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addresses participants during a rally in Istanbul to show solidarity with Palestinians on Saturday, October 28. (AP/Emrah Gurel)
Erdoğan has also called on Islamic nations to unite against Israel, calling it “the most concrete threat to regional and global peace.” Lindenstrauss emphasized that Turkey’s support for Hamas was a key reason for the tensions. “Turkey supports Hamas and wants Hamas to retain control of Gaza after the war,” she said.
Israel remains increasingly concerned about Turkey’s military buildup in northern Syria. Lindenstrauss said Ankara’s ambitions were growing. “Turkey has controlled the northern areas and supported rebels against Assad,” she said. “The question now is whether Türkiye’s influence will spread further south and position Ankara as a sponsor of the emerging regime.”
Lindenstrauss emphasized Turkey’s dependence on Qatar’s financial support, citing Erdoğan’s recent meeting with the Qatari emir. “Turkey cannot maintain its influence in Syria alone,” she said. “It takes the cooperation of Gulf states, particularly Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to finance the reconstruction of Syria.”
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On December 2, 2024, rebels in northwestern Syria seized regime military vehicles en route to Kweris airport in the eastern Aleppo countryside. (Rami Alsayed/NurPhoto via APRami Alsayed/NurPhoto via AP)
Türkiye’s focus remains on Dismantling Kurdish control in northern Syria, especially around Kobani, a symbolic city of the Kurds. Ankara’s current strategy is reminiscent of the 2019 invasion that displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.
“The Kurds control prisons where thousands of ISIS fighters are being held,” Lindenstrauss said. “These prisons are critically important the USA., Israel and the West. Weakening Kurdish control risks regional destabilization and a resurgence of ISIS.”
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Displaced Kurds leave the refugee camp in the north of Aleppo on December 4, 2024 and flee to Afrin. (Ugur Yildirim/DIA Images/Abaca/Sipa USA(Sipa via AP Images)
As Turkey increases its presence in Syria, analysts warn that clashes with Israel could become unavoidable. Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak of Tel Aviv University’s Moshe Dayan Center drew parallels to Turkey’s interventions in Libya and Azerbaijan. “If Turkish forces move close to Israeli operations or allies, the risk of unintentional confrontations will increase dramatically,” he told the TPS-IL news agency.
Despite the harsh rhetoric, experts argue that both countries have a common interest in avoiding direct conflict. “Türkiye’s main interests lie in the north of Syria, while Israel’s focus is on the south,” said Lindenstrauss. “Israel and Turkey have managed to establish conflict management channels with Russia in Syria to avoid friction. Similar mechanisms will be necessary here, even if they work quietly.”
Yanarocak warned of growing risks. “The sky is the limit as to how far this situation could deteriorate,” he said. “It’s time to pay attention.”
