Turkey-Israel Syria Tensions: Erdogan Ally Warns of Conflict | JP
Tensions between Turkey and Israel over Syria are intensifying, with prominent Turkish commentators warning that the two countries could eventually find themselves in a direct confrontation.
Yasin Aktay, a former adviser to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, sharply criticized Israeli military activity in Syria during an appearance on the Arabic-language program Madar al-Ghad.
Aktay claimed that Israel does not want to see a stable and unified Syrian state emerge along its border.
“Israel does not want a stable and united country neighboring it,” he said, arguing that Israeli operations in Syria, Gaza and Lebanon were not evidence of strength but signs of a policy that would ultimately damage the Jewish state.
“Every Israeli attack brings it closer to its end,” Aktay declared, presenting the claim as a conclusion rooted in sociology.
The program’s host questioned why Israel continues to strike targets in Syria when the country’s new leadership has reportedly indicated that it does not seek further regional wars and is prepared to pursue peaceful relations.
Aktay responded by accusing Israel of attempting to fragment Syria through the cultivation of separate centers of power. He pointed specifically to the Druze population in southern Syria and Kurdish forces operating east of the Euphrates River.
According to Aktay, Israel believes that instability in neighboring countries will improve its own security.
“It thinks that when everything around it is burning, it will remain safe and intact,” he said. “This is one of the greatest mistakes that will eventually bring about Israel’s end.”
Turkish Media: Israel Blocking F-35 Return
The same day, Turkish television commentators discussed Ankara’s continued efforts to return to the American-led F-35 fighter jet program.
Turkey was removed from the program following its purchase of the Russian S-400 air-defense system. Recent discussions have reportedly included the possibility of transferring or selling the systems to Qatar or the United Arab Emirates as part of an arrangement with Washington.
However, television host Simge Fistikoglu argued that resolving the S-400 dispute would not necessarily be enough.
“Turkey will not be able to receive the F-35 as long as the Israeli lobby exists,” she claimed.
No evidence was presented during the discussion demonstrating that Israel alone was responsible for Washington’s continued opposition to Turkey’s return to the program.
Would NATO Defend Turkey Against Israel?
The panel also debated whether NATO would come to Turkey’s defense if a confrontation with Israel erupted in Syria.
The discussion followed comments attributed to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte during an interview with Sky News. Asked whether NATO’s collective-defense provision would apply in the event of an Israeli-Turkish clash, Rutte reportedly avoided giving a direct answer and instead expressed confidence that Erdogan would prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
Dogan Satmis, editor-in-chief of the Turkish newspaper Sozcu, interpreted the response as evidence that NATO would not necessarily support Ankara.
“If there is any attack by Israel against Turkey, NATO will not defend Turkey,” he asserted.
Panelists subsequently called on Ankara to reconsider its reliance on Western allies, reduce its investments in major NATO projects and identify which countries would genuinely support Turkey during a crisis.
“Let us recognize our friends and our enemies,” Fistikoglu concluded.
The comments reflect a noticeable escalation in Turkish rhetoric surrounding Israel’s operations in Syria. However, they do not represent an official decision by either the Turkish government or NATO regarding a potential direct confrontation between Israel and Turkey.