Tel Aviv, Israel – Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is leading his country into dangerous adventures in Syria. This came after Israeli airstrikes on a Syrian military base, which Israel claimed housed Turkish troops. Both Damascus and Ankara have categorically denied these claims.
Israeli statements and warnings to Ankara
The Israeli Defense Minister confirmed in a post on the X platform that Tel Aviv will never compromise on protecting its national security. He delivered a stern message to the Turkish leadership, urging them not to test Israel’s resolve. Similarly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will not accept any entrenchment of a Turkish military presence on Syrian soil that threatens its security. He also indicated that the messages conveyed in this regard were perfectly clear.
The Turkish position and official rejection of the allegations
In response, the Turkish Presidency issued an official statement refuting the Israeli allegations, describing them as unserious and aimed at justifying blatant attacks on Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ankara asserted that these accusations reveal the Israeli government’s desire to perpetuate its expansionist and destabilizing policies in the region. It emphasized that Turkey will continue its legitimate cooperation with the Syrian state to support regional security and stability.
Syrian denial of the “military mobilization” story
For his part, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani clarified that Damascus had officially informed the Israeli side that there was no coordination or intention to establish a Turkish military base or deploy forces at the Abu al-Duhur airbase. Al-Shaibani emphasized that the base was almost empty and undergoing only renovations. He asserted that the Israeli pretext was completely unfounded and had no basis in reality on the ground. Meanwhile, international parties continue their efforts to contain the escalation and prevent any potential direct confrontation.
