The newspaper reported that Israel has bombed three air bases in Syria that Turkey was considering using to deploy its forces
This happened this week and shows how relations between these two countries, which have strong armies in the region, are becoming more tense because of Syria.
There, Islamist rebels seized power in December, toppling former President Bashar al-Assad, and have now formed a new government.
Turkey, which has long supported anti-Assad groups, wants to play a major role in the new Syria.
It was planning a defense agreement with the new Syrian government that could include Turkish bases in the center of the country and the use of Syrian airspace.
To this end, Turkish military teams have recently visited three bases: T-4 and Palmyra, in Homs province, and the main airport in Hama.
These visits were confirmed by Syrian intelligence and military sources, who did not wish to be identified.
The Turks surveyed the runways, hangars and other structures at these bases.
But an Israeli strike on March 25 changed their plans: Hours before a scheduled visit to T-4 and Palmyra, Israel bombed both sites.
According to one source, the strike on T-4 destroyed the runway, control tower, hangars and planes that were on the ground.
“The base was completely unusable,” said a person close to Turkey.
For Israel, it was a clear message: They do not want Turkey to set up shop there.
What Turkey and Israel are saying
Turkey says it does not want a fight with Israel in Syria.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said: “Syria belongs to the Syrians, we do not want a confrontation with Israel there.” But the Turkish government has also called Israel “the biggest threat to the security of the region.” Israel, meanwhile, has responded that it does not seek conflict with Turkey, but does not accept Turkish bases near its border.
An Israeli official said: “We want to avoid Turkish military, naval or air bases there.
We have limits.”
The strikes
In the past four months since Assad’s fall, Israel has seized areas in southwestern Syria, made deals with the Druze minority and destroyed many of the Syrian army’s heavy weapons.
On Wednesday, the bombings were intense: in 30 minutes, Israel struck five locations, nearly destroying the Hama base and wounding dozens of people.
The Syrian government complained, but Israel said it struck T-4, bases in Hama and Homs, and military installations near Damascus to protect its security.
Here’s why Israel is worried
Israel fears that Turkey will deploy Russian anti-aircraft systems or drones on T-4, which could give the Turks control of the skies in the region and limit Israeli military action.
Middle East policy expert Noa Lazimi explained: “This would be a serious problem for Israel, which wants to maintain its freedom of action.”
Turkey tries to calm the US
Turkey is in talks with the United States, saying it wants a stable Syria and that the new Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, will not be a threat.
They have also assured the United States that the defense deal with Syria is being done carefully so as not to anger the Americans.
One Turkish politician said: “If Syria destabilizes, we will suffer the most, with refugees and security problems.”
Risk of clash, but there is hope
Experts say Turkey and Israel have very different ideas about Syria, which could cause problems.
Still, they believe the two countries can avoid a major conflict if the United States helps in negotiations.
For now, the situation in Syria remains uncertain, and the world is watching closely.
Published in 04/06/2025 12h15
Text adapted by AI (Grok) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption.
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