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Tensions between Israel and Turkey are escalating over Ankara’s potential military presence in Syria, with Israel warning Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan against what it described as a “dangerous adventure” in the country.
Turkey, in response, urged Israel to stop what it called its “reckless attacks” on Syria.
The latest tensions followed an Israeli airstrike on Abu al-Duhur airbase in northwestern Syria on Tuesday. Syrian state media reported that the strike damaged the runway and facilities used to store military equipment. No casualties were reported.
Israel said Syria had been preparing the airbase for the deployment of Turkish troops. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said such a deployment would violate the existing security “status quo” with Israel.
Turkey and Syria, however, rejected the claim.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said there were no plans to establish a Turkish military base at Abu al-Duhur. He said Turkish military officials had visited the site only to discuss training and military cooperation.
Turkey’s Defence Ministry also said no Turkish military delegation was present at the base either before or during the Israeli strike. Ankara urged Israel to halt what it described as “reckless attacks” in Syria.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz separately warned Erdogan against dragging Turkey into a “dangerous adventure” in Syria and testing Israel’s determination to defend itself.
Israel’s concerns have grown as Turkey’s influence in Syria has expanded. Following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, Ankara has developed closer ties with Syria’s new leadership and has been assisting efforts to rebuild the country’s military capabilities and infrastructure.
With fears of further escalation mounting, the United States has also stepped in, seeking to establish a communication channel between Israel, Turkey and Syria to prevent conflict.
US officials say the proposed de-escalation mechanism could help prevent future clashes caused by military miscalculations or misunderstandings between the three countries.
