Israel Cuts Off Turkish Communication Channel Via Azerbaijan
Israel has ended its use of Azerbaijan as an intermediary for communicating with Turkey, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations amid heightened tensions. This decision comes against a backdrop of escalating friction between the two nations and concerns over a potential military confrontation in Syria.
A high-ranking political source revealed that this move alters a previously established, albeit informal, communication mechanism that allowed Israel and Turkey to maintain contact even during periods of significant disagreement. Azerbaijan, particularly through the efforts of President Ilham Aliyev, had played a crucial role in facilitating these exchanges, including the operational coordination between the two countries in Syria.
While the specific reasons for Israel's decision were not fully disclosed, it follows a recent severe deterioration in relations. The source described Turkey as a "rival" rather than an "enemy state," emphasizing that neither country desires direct conflict.
The situation became particularly precarious after an Israeli airstrike on the Abu al-Duhur airbase in northwestern Syria, located near the Turkish border. Israel reportedly targeted the base due to intelligence indicating Turkey's plans to significantly expand its military presence there, an action Jerusalem viewed as crossing a "red line."
Despite Israel's stated intention to avoid war with Turkey or Syria, the strike nearly led to a dangerous escalation. Turkey, which was not forewarned, detected Israeli aircraft approaching its airspace, raising fears of retaliatory actions. Although a direct clash was averted, Turkey strongly condemned Israel following the incident and called for limitations on Israeli military operations in Syria.
Amid these growing risks, the United States is reportedly working to establish a separate deconfliction mechanism involving Israel, Turkey, and Syria to coordinate military activities and prevent accidental exchanges of fire.
