Erdogan Slams Israeli Strikes in Syria, Warns of Regional Destabilization

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned Israel’s recent military operations in Syria, warning that the strikes pose a serious threat to peace and stability across the region.

"Israel Provoking Regional Chaos," Erdogan Says

Speaking to journalists aboard his return flight from Northern Cyprus, Erdogan accused Israel of pursuing deliberate provocation under the pretext of protecting the Druze community. “Israel is trying to create a new climate by provoking certain groups inside Syria,” he said, stressing that such actions are not only reckless but risk igniting the broader region.

He also claimed Israel is “deeply disturbed” by Turkey’s expanding influence and the strategic gains it has achieved. According to Erdogan, Israel views Turkey’s growing regional posture as a threat, particularly in light of Ankara’s close ties with Syria’s new Interim government.

Support for Syria’s Transitional Government

Erdogan voiced support for Syria’s current authorities, describing them as committed to achieving peace, social cohesion, and economic development following the downfall of the ousted president Bashar al-Assad. “Despite the many challenges facing Syria’s new government, they are exerting significant effort,” he stated, adding that all regional actors should contribute to building a “new Syria” based on unity.

Targeted Strikes Raise Ankara’s Concerns

When asked whether Israel's airstrikes could be interpreted as a message to Turkey, Erdogan was unequivocal. “The steps taken by Israel threaten calm and stability. We are closely monitoring any potential moves they make against Turkey,” he warned.

Tensions between the two nations have been steadily rising following a series of Israeli attacks in March and April on Syrian military installations in Hama and Homs—areas where Turkey was reportedly planning to deploy forces under a forthcoming joint defense agreement with Damascus.

In addition, Israeli forces have expanded control over parts of southwestern Syria, including the buffer zone within Syrian territory, and have targeted military assets belonging to the new Syrian army.

Mounting Rivalry Over Syrian Influence

Observers say Israel’s widening military campaign in Syria is partly a response to Ankara’s ambitions in the war-torn country. While Turkey has not officially declared plans to establish air bases, reports indicate it had begun preparing to convert the T-4 airbase in eastern Homs into a Turkish-controlled facility. In what appeared to be a preemptive move, Israel repeatedly bombed the T-4 base in March and later disabled the Hama military airport.

Sources in Israel have voiced fears that Ankara aims to transform Syria into an “Ottoman protectorate.” Turkish defense officials confirmed ongoing technical talks with Damascus over military cooperation, but have remained silent regarding the alleged base construction. Meanwhile, Israeli intelligence has declared the potential establishment of a Turkish base in Palmyra a “red line.”

Quiet Diplomacy

Amid growing concerns over direct confrontation, Turkish and Israeli technical delegations convened in Azerbaijan in April. The meeting aimed to establish a deconfliction mechanism and draft engagement protocols to prevent unintended military escalations on Syrian soil.

Despite the volatile climate, both nations appear to be exploring avenues to manage their competition discreetly—though their overlapping ambitions in Syria may render any long-term coexistence tenuous.