Israeli Security Officials Warn Turkey Is Rival, Not Enemy, Amid Regional Tensions

Israeli security officials described Turkey as a "rival, not an enemy," while cautioning that the situation remains volatile due to shifting dynamics in the Middle East. They assess that Turkey aims to strengthen a Sunni axis, including anti-Israeli elements. Despite denials from Syria and Turkey, Israeli sources claim warnings were issued before a recent strike, which was carried out under close intelligence and Air Force guidance, with a clear intent to avoid casualties. The Israeli military leadership, including Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, supported the operation to send a message and preempt emerging threats.

Officials emphasized Israel's commitment since the October 7 attacks to identify and neutralize threats early, particularly monitoring the evolving Syrian-Turkish relationship to prevent new hostile developments. They also noted Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa's strong animosity toward Hezbollah and Iran, predicting he may seek retribution for losses suffered during Syria's civil war under Bashar al-Assad, despite his public calls for moderation and peace. Israeli intelligence is also tracking Lebanon-Syria dynamics to ensure no geographic areas become lawless zones that could threaten Israel.

Security sources hinted that Turkey is attempting to approach Israel’s border not only via Syria but also through other routes such as the Gaza Strip, with Israeli authorities closely monitoring and working diplomatically, including through U.S. mediation, to prevent escalation.

Separately, Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Sheibani stated that talks with Israel have been suspended following the recent strike, with no set date for resumption. He emphasized Damascus’s priority to halt Israeli attacks and build trust, criticizing Israel’s reliance on force since Assad’s fall in 2024. Al-Sheibani also noted U.S. efforts to pressure Israel back to dialogue and expressed Syria’s hope for stable regional relations. He claimed that earlier in the year, both sides had nearly agreed on a security arrangement involving buffer zones near the Israeli border, but Israel lacked genuine willingness to finalize the deal.