Turkey and Israel Hold Technical Talks in Azerbaijan Over Syria Deconfliction
The meeting, reflects a pragmatic shift in Ankara and Tel Aviv’s regional military calculations, particularly after repeated Israeli strikes on Syrian territory and Turkish plans to expand its presence in northern Syria (Kurdistan of Syria).
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a notable diplomatic development, Turkey and Israel convened their first technical-level meeting in Azerbaijan to discuss establishing deconfliction mechanisms aimed at preventing direct clashes between their military forces operating in Syria, according to a statement released Thursday by Turkey’s Ministry of Defense.
The meeting, reflects a pragmatic shift in Ankara and Tel Aviv’s regional military calculations, particularly after repeated Israeli strikes on Syrian territory and Turkish plans to expand its presence in northern Syria (Kurdistan of Syria).
Zeki Aktürk, spokesperson for Turkey’s Ministry of Defense, emphasized the urgency of curbing what he described as Israel’s “reckless and destabilizing attacks” inside Syria. Speaking at a press conference, Aktürk accused Tel Aviv of undermining Syrian territorial integrity and aggravating regional instability.
“If Israel truly seeks regional security, it must abandon its expansionist and aggressive behavior,” Aktürk said, calling on the international community to assume its responsibility in halting what Ankara views as unlawful military conduct.
He reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to Syria’s territorial unity and long-term stability, stating that Ankara continues to cooperate with the Syrian government in enhancing defensive capabilities and counterterrorism measures.
“All of our operations are conducted within the framework of international law and bilateral agreements,” he added, noting that no third party would be harmed by Turkey’s military engagements.
Israeli Buildup and Strategic Messaging
The Turkish-Israeli meeting follows mounting friction over Israel’s reported establishment of new military outposts within Syrian territory—a move widely interpreted as a strategic message to Ankara after Turkish efforts to secure a military foothold in Syria.
Despite the technical talks, Turkish officials stressed that the discussions should not be misconstrued as a prelude to full diplomatic normalization. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan clarified earlier this week that while such contacts are “normal” at the technical level, they do not signal a thaw in relations.
Erdogan’s Stance: Trade Frozen, Tensions Unresolved
Turkey’s broader policy posture toward Israel remains uncompromising. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has halted all bilateral trade with Israel, denouncing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza as “state terrorism” and accusing Tel Aviv of committing genocide in the besieged enclave.
Ties between the two regional powers have remained strained since the outbreak of Israel’s war on Gaza following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Ankara has repeatedly demanded an immediate ceasefire and unfettered humanitarian access for Palestinian civilians.
While Ankara’s talks with Israel over Syria reflect military pragmatism, they unfold against the backdrop of a deeply fractured bilateral relationship—highlighting the complex web of diplomacy, deterrence, and conflict management shaping the Middle East’s evolving security landscape.
