Israel Warns of Turkey’s Growing Influence in Syria Amid Military Strikes
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar voiced concerns on Thursday over Turkey’s expanding role in Syria, warning that Ankara is working to turn the war-torn country into a “Turkish protectorate.”
Speaking at a press conference in Paris, Sa’ar stated, “They are doing everything possible to make Syria a Turkish protectorate. It is evident that this is their intention.”
His remarks come amid growing Israeli unease over Turkey’s deepening influence in northern Syria, where Ankara-backed factions hold significant territory. This concern has reportedly prompted an urgent security meeting in Israel to assess potential threats.
According to Israel’s Maariv newspaper, senior Israeli officials convened on Thursday to evaluate Turkey’s activities in Syria. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and senior military officials attended the meeting. Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was absent due to an official visit to Hungary.
The meeting also coincided with a visit by U.S. CENTCOM Commander Michael Kurilla, who met with Israeli military leaders to discuss regional security threats. Analysts speculate that Turkey’s growing military footprint in Syria was a key point of discussion.
Israeli fears have been heightened by reports that Turkey is seeking a long-term military presence in central Syria. On Tuesday, Middle East Eye cited sources claiming that Turkish forces were preparing to deploy air defense systems at the Tiyas (T4) airbase in Homs province.
This move is reportedly part of a broader Turkish strategy to solidify control over strategic regions in Syria, with alleged backing from the country’s newly established administration.
Late Wednesday, the Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes targeting military infrastructure in Damascus, Hama, and Homs. While Israel frequently strikes Iranian-linked targets in Syria, some analysts suggest the latest wave of attacks may have also been intended as a warning to Turkey.
A senior Israeli security official told Maariv that the strikes were meant to send “a message to Turkey” amid growing Israeli fears over Ankara’s military ambitions in Syria.
Israel has long viewed Iran’s presence in Syria as a major threat, frequently conducting airstrikes to prevent Tehran from entrenching itself militarily. However, Turkey’s increasing role in Syria presents a different challenge. While Israel and Turkey have maintained diplomatic relations, their strategic interests in Syria remain at odds.
Israel is particularly wary of any Turkish attempt to establish permanent military bases in Syria, fearing it could shift the regional power balance and complicate Israel’s operational freedom.
The escalating tensions between Israel and Turkey over Syria raise questions about potential diplomatic or military confrontations in the future. While Israel remains committed to its air campaign against Iranian influence, its stance on Turkey’s involvement in Syria is becoming increasingly assertive.
The coming weeks could see intensified diplomatic maneuvering as regional and international actors respond to these developments. Observers will be closely watching whether Israel takes further action to counter what it perceives as Turkey’s growing footprint in Syria.