Israel Warns Turkey Over Military Build-Up in Syria Amid Rising Tensions

Tensions between Israel and Turkey escalated over the weekend due to Turkey's military involvement in Syria. Tom Barrett, the US envoy to Syria and ambassador to Ankara, suggested Israel's recent deep strikes in Syria might be politically motivated ahead of Israeli elections and controversially claimed Israel occupies the Golan Heights, contradicting UN positions. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant sharply rebuked Barrett, stating the Israeli military acted on clear intelligence about Turkish threats to Israel's security and accused Barrett of inaccuracies conflicting with US President Joe Biden's stance.

Reports from Channel 13 revealed Turkey planned to deploy radars and surface-to-air missiles in Syria, raising Israeli fears that Turkish systems could restrict Israel's freedom of action, especially ahead of potential future airstrikes on Iran. Israeli officials warned Turkey against establishing advanced military systems in Syria, fearing the rise of extremist factions linked to ISIS and al-Qaeda. Meanwhile, Gulf sources indicated Turkey aims to solidify its presence in Syria with tacit US approval, and Saudi Arabia supports a Turkish-Syrian alliance mainly to counter Iran's influence.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security meeting to discuss Turkey's growing foothold in Syria, with officials warning Turkey could shift from a rival to an enemy state. A senior officer noted President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's ambitions to lead the Sunni Muslim world and exert control over Syria, Gaza, and Muslim Brotherhood groups in Egypt and Jordan. Netanyahu condemned Erdoğan as an antisemitic dictator supporting Hamas and vowed to continue strong actions against threats to regional stability.

Turkey requested Interpol to issue international arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other Israelis, citing Israel's takeover of the Gaza protest flotilla months earlier. Israel confirmed its recent strikes targeted Turkish forces near Aleppo after Syrian authorities allowed their deployment. Israeli military chief Aviv Kochavi visited the Golan front, emphasizing vigilance against hostile forces and the prevention of significant military threats on Israel's borders.

Turkey's defense ministry denied Turkish military presence at the Syrian airbase hit by Israel and called on the international community to act against Israeli operations threatening regional peace. Gallant warned Erdoğan against dangerous adventures in Syria and stressed Israel's resolve to defend itself. Netanyahu reiterated Israel's clear message against Turkish military entrenchment in Syria, stating Israel ensured its warnings were unmistakably understood.