In a sharp escalation of tensions between Israel and Turkey, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has accused Turkey of “doing their utmost to have Syria as a Turkish protectorate”. Saar’s comments came after Israeli airstrikes on military targets in Syria, including in Hama and Homs, resulting in the destruction of the Hama military airport and at least nine casualties. Explaining Israel’s position, Saar said: “We do not think it is good that Syria is an Iranian proxy, and we do not think it should be a Turkish protectorate. Syria needs to be free from external dominance.”
Saar also condemned Turkey’s regional activities, particularly in Syria and Lebanon, saying, “Turkey plays a negative role in Syria, in Lebanon, and has aspirations all over the region and in other parts of the world.” He continued, “Specifically, they have an aggressive attitude toward Kurdish autonomy, especially in Rojava in northern Syria. They are doing their utmost to have Syria as a Turkish protectorate.” Saar emphasised that Israel does not support Syria being dominated by any external power, whether by Iran or Turkey.
However, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan rejected Saar’s accusations, insisting that Turkey was not seeking a confrontation with Israel over Syria. In a statement to Reuters on 4 April, Fidan said: “Turkey wants no confrontation with Israel in Syria. … [Israel’s actions] are paving the way for future regional instability.” Fidan reiterated that Turkey’s military involvement in Syria is focused on stabilising the region and addressing its security concerns, especially along the Turkish-Syrian border.
The exchange of accusations highlights the competing regional interests in Syria, with Israel aiming to protect its security and counter Iranian influence, while Turkey seeks to expand its influence and address concerns over Kurdish autonomy. With both states asserting their competing priorities, the situation in Syria remains precarious.
