Antalya, Turkey – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized Israel for destabilizing Syria during a diplomatic forum, following recent talks between the two countries to ease tensions in the region. Erdoğan expressed concerns about Syria being dragged into further instability, accusing Israel of undermining the revolution that ousted former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Speaking at the Antalya diplomacy forum, Erdoğan emphasized the importance of preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and stability through dialogue with influential regional actors like President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin. The presence of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the forum signified ongoing discussions about the situation in Syria.
Erdoğan’s efforts to lift sanctions on Syria were reiterated during his meeting with Sharaa at the conference. Turkey aims to prevent any attempts to incite chaos in Syria and remains committed to working towards regional stability. tensions between Turkey and Israel have escalated since Assad’s overthrow, with recent Israeli airstrikes targeting military bases across Syria.
The defense minister of Israel, Israel Katz, viewed these airstrikes as a warning for the future. Israel has conducted numerous strikes in Syria since Assad sought refuge in Moscow, destroying military assets and air defenses. Assad’s removal marked the end of decades of dictatorship and a decade-long civil war that evolved into a frozen proxy conflict.
After Sharaa’s insurgency led to a new government in Damascus, Turkey emerged as a key supporter of Syria’s transitional government. Fast-tracked ties between Turkish officials and Damascus have led to discussions about a potential defense pact between the two countries, raising concerns from Israel about its freedom of action in Syria.
Following incursions by Israeli forces near Damascus, talks were held in Azerbaijan to ease tensions between Turkey and Israel in Syria. Both sides expressed a commitment to dialogue to maintain regional stability. The need for a deconfliction mechanism between Turkey and Israel in Syria was highlighted by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, emphasizing the importance of preventing misunderstandings between combat elements.
The talks were seen as a positive step towards managing tensions in Syria, where both Turkey and Israel are militarily involved. Establishing communication channels and setting red lines to avoid conflicts between the two powers is crucial for preventing further escalations in the region. The ongoing dialogue between Turkey and Israel aims to navigate the complex dynamics in Syria and ensure regional stability.