Turkish FM Fidan: ‘We do not want any confrontation with Israel in Syria’
Fidan’s remarks come amid intensified Israeli military operations in Syria, including recent aerial bombardments targeting military infrastructure in Damascus, Hama, and Homs.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Friday reaffirmed Ankara’s opposition to any direct confrontation with Israel in Syria, warning that repeated Israeli airstrikes are weakening Syria’s ability to deter threats, including from the Islamic State (ISIS).
Speaking on a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Fidan emphasized that “Syria belongs to Syrians,” and Ankara does not want any military entanglement with Israel on Syrian soil.
“We don't want to see any confrontation with Israel in Syria,” Fidan stated. “Syrians alone should decide their country's security.”
Israeli Strikes Spark Regional Tensions
Fidan’s remarks come amid intensified Israeli military operations in Syria, including recent aerial bombardments targeting military infrastructure in Damascus, Hama, and Homs. According to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, the strikes are a preemptive response to perceived threats from armed militants and weapons stockpiles near the Israeli border.
In a direct warning to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa—referred to by Katz using his former nom de guerre, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani—Israel vowed a “heavy price” if Syrian territory is used to harbor hostile forces.
“We will not allow the presence of hostile forces in Syria,” an Israeli military spokesperson said, adding that air and ground strikes had eliminated militants in southern Syria.
But according to Israeli officials speaking to The Jerusalem Post, the airstrikes also carried a secondary message—directed squarely at Turkey: “Do not establish a military base in Syria and do not interfere with Israeli operations in Syrian airspace.”
Turkey: Israeli Actions Erode Syria’s Defenses
Turkey, a NATO member, has long criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza, accusing Tel Aviv of genocide and taking the matter to the International Court of Justice. Ankara has since suspended trade with Israel and condemned its military approach across the region.
Fidan warned that the continued Israeli bombardment of Syria is stripping the newly formed government in Damascus of the limited capabilities it has to fight extremist groups like ISIS and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
“Unfortunately, Israel is taking out, one by one, all these capabilities that a new state can use against ISIS and other terrorist threats,” Fidan said. “What Israel is doing in Syria is not only threatening Syria’s security, but also paving the way for future regional instability.”
Despite the growing tension, Fidan clarified that if the new Syrian administration opts to engage with Israel through “certain understandings,” that decision lies solely with Damascus.
Turkey Emerges as Syria’s Key Ally
Turkey has positioned itself as the primary foreign backer of Syria’s new Islamist-led government, which replaced the Assad regime. Ankara supported the rebel factions that now make up the transitional administration and has pledged extensive aid for rebuilding Syria’s institutions and infrastructure.
Fidan reiterated Turkey’s call for the lifting of Western sanctions on Syria, arguing that such punitive measures hinder recovery and undermine regional stability.
Dialogue with the U.S. and Middle East Concerns
In parallel with Turkey’s Syria diplomacy, Fidan also discussed evolving relations with Washington following recent talks with U.S. officials. He revealed that the administration of President Donald Trump is reviewing its Syria policy, particularly the sanctions imposed under the former regime.
“Now we have a new Syria,” Fidan stated. “I think that new Syria requires a different approach.”
While Turkey supports Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine, it has expressed strong opposition to U.S. plans in Gaza, particularly the idea of transforming the territory into a “Riviera of the Middle East.” Fidan stressed that Ankara remains committed to diplomacy over military escalation, especially in relation to Iran, Turkey’s neighbor.
“We do not want to see any military strikes on Iran,” Fidan said, urging diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes with Tehran.
Fidan also voiced cautious optimism about resolving disputes with the U.S., including sanctions on Turkey’s defense industry, and noted Trump’s “problem-solving techniques” could help bridge long-standing gaps between the NATO allies.
