Turkey has been checking out at least three air bases in Syria where it could send its military forces. This was part of a plan to work together with other nations in defense, but Israel bombed these bases this week. This air attack shows the increasing tension between Turkey and Israel, especially now that Islamist rebels have taken over Syria after getting rid of the old leader, Bashar al-Assad, in December.
Israel is worried about the Islamist group near its border, which has led it to ask the United States to limit Turkey’s influence in Syria. Turkey has always supported those opposing Assad and wants to play a significant role in the new Syria. This involvement might include setting up new Turkish bases in the center of Syria and using its airspace.
Recently, Turkish military teams visited the T4 and Palmyra bases in Syria. They looked at the condition of the runways and hangars to prepare for military plans. However, a visit meant to happen on March 25 was called off because Israel attacked the bases just hours before.
After these strikes, the T4 air base was badly damaged, making it unusable. An intelligence official mentioned that the airstrikes were a clear warning from Israel that it wouldn’t accept an increased Turkish presence in Syria. When asked about the visits, a Turkish defense official said that unofficial reports shouldn’t be trusted as they might be misleading.
Turkey’s foreign ministry stressed that Israel is the biggest threat to regional security, but Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said they didn’t want to confront Israel in Syria. In the months since Assad’s fall, Israel has taken control of areas in southwest Syria and damaged a lot of military equipment there. The recent Israeli strikes were among the most severe to date.
Syria’s foreign ministry stated that Israel hit multiple places, leading to significant destruction and many injuries. Israeli leaders warned that these actions are for ensuring the nation’s safety. Some experts believe Israel fears that Turkey may set up military systems that could challenge its air superiority in the area.
Turkey has been trying to assure the U.S. that it wants peace and stability in Syria. Fidan told U.S. officials that the new Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa won’t be a threat to neighbors. Turkish officials have been considering how to proceed without upsetting the U.S.
One Turkish official noted that Turkey would suffer the most if Syria became unstable. A researcher stated that while Turkey and Israel have different views, they could avoid military conflict by discussing it with the U.S.
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