Turkish analyst rules out Turkey-Israel military clash over Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Turkish political analyst dismissed on Saturday the possibility of a military confrontation between Turkey and Israel on Syrian soil, despite recent accusations from Israel that Turkey is seeking to exert control over Syria and turn it into a Turkish protectorate.
Speaking to North Press on Saturday, Jawad Gok, said that a military clash between Turkey and Israel on Syrian territory is highly unlikely.
His comments came in response to growing tensions following reports that Turkey had inspected several Syrian airbases for potential deployment, as part of a planned joint defense arrangement, according to four sources cited by Reuters. Israel targeted these sites in airstrikes last week.
Gok noted that a delegation from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to visit Ankara soon in an effort to reach mutual understandings.
He added that while the media may witness heightened rhetoric and fiery exchanges between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, these are unlikely to translate into military escalation.
The analyst pointed out that since Turkey’s involvement in Syria, it has carefully avoided direct confrontations with other regional powers, including Iran, Russia, and Israel. “Turkey does not seek a military confrontation with any side,” he said.
Echoing that sentiment, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on Friday that Turkey has no interest in engaging in conflict with Israel within Syrian territory.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed concerns over what he described as Turkey’s “negative role” in Syria, Lebanon, and other parts of the region. Speaking at a press conference in Paris, he said that they are doing everything they can to turn Syria into a Turkish protectorate—it’s clear this is their goal.
Last week, the Israeli forces launched airstrikes targeting two airbases and military infrastructure in Damascus, Hama, and Homs.