Dr. Michael Milshtein
Ynet News, Apr. 13, 2025
“I have great relations with Turkey. Erdogan likes me, and I like him. If you have a problem with him, I’ll fix it.”
The Israeli government continues to avoid clearly articulating its strategy in the Syrian arena. In the absence of a formal policy, observers are left to decipher its intentions based on scattered military actions and political statements. The result is a picture of growing uncertainty, and potentially dangerous escalation.
Nowhere is this ambiguity more evident than in Syria. The Israel Defense Forces have increased airstrikes against a range of armed factions across the country, strengthened their presence in the buffer zone along the Golan Heights, and cultivated relationships with internal Syrian actors, including the Druze and Kurdish populations. These moves reflect a policy that some describe as “firing in all directions,” lacking a clear, guiding objective.
In the past two weeks, tensions have reached a new high with Turkey, which backs Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa and seeks to expand its influence in Syria. Israel’s air force has reportedly targeted four airports, including the T4 air base near Palmyra in Homs province. Turkish forces were allegedly preparing to deploy to that base, particularly units operating drones and UAVs.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded with a stark warning: Turkey’s intent to establish military footholds in Syria poses a direct threat to Israel’s security. He vowed to act against such moves. Defense Minister Israel Katz went further, issuing a direct threat to al-Sharaa and stating that Israel would not allow hostile entrenchment in Syria and would hold Damascus accountable. …SOURCE