Israeli airstrikes in Syria raise tensions with Türkiye

[Cairo Current Affairs] Tensions between Turkey and Israel, which have close ties with Syria, are increasing after the Israeli military conducted an airstrike on a base in northwestern Syria. Israel claims that this was due to Turkey's move to station a presence at the base, but Turkey denies this. Conflict between the two countries continues over the expansion of influence in Syria.

On the 18th, the Israeli military launched an airstrike on Abu Dhour Air Base in northwestern Syria. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office pointed out that this was because ``Syria was attempting to break security agreements with Israel by allowing the deployment of Turkish military forces,'' and discouraged moves to strengthen relations between Turkey and Syria.

In response, the Turkish presidential administration responded on the 19th via X (formerly Twitter), calling it ``a groundless claim.'' Barrack, the US special envoy for Syria, who often takes a wait-and-see approach to Israeli military operations, also offered an unusual criticism of Israel, saying the attack "does not contribute to stability in the region and will lead to an unnecessary worsening of the situation."

In Syria, opposition forces led by interim President Sharaa will overthrow the Assad regime in 2024. Turkey has been supporting Mr. Shara'a, and even after the establishment of the interim government, it is working to strengthen relations through reconstruction and economic reconstruction.

Meanwhile, Israel is sending ground troops to Syria to put pressure on Syria and seek to reach a security agreement. The aim is to turn the southern part of the country into a demilitarized zone to reduce the threat to the country, but Israel and Turkey continue to have competing interests in Syria.

On the 20th, Israel's Defense Minister Katz intensified his criticism, saying, ``Erdogan (Turkish President) is involving his country in a dangerous adventure in Syria.'' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is due to hold a general election in October, appears to be trying to increase support by showing domestically that he will stand up to Turkey.