Israel warns Turkey against 'dangerous adventures in Syria'

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Turkey against engaging in risky actions in Syria on Thursday, following Israel's airstrikes on a Syrian air base earlier in the week. The Israeli strikes were based on concerns that Turkish troops were planning to deploy at the base. Israel maintains that it will not allow any entity to jeopardize its security.

Turkey's Defense Ministry denied that it had any military presence at the air base, stating that the strikes were "unacceptable, reckless and threatened regional peace and stability." The ministry emphasized that their efforts to support Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity would continue. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously warned Syria against allowing a Turkish presence at the air base, though it appears Syria may not have fully grasped the message.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani criticized Israel's actions, asserting that there were no plans for a Turkish base or permanent military presence at the air base. The base was largely empty and was being restored for use by the Syrian Air Force. While Turkish military officers had visited the site in the days preceding the strike, Syrian officials emphasized that the visit was for ongoing military cooperation on training and expertise exchange.

The recent Israeli airstrikes come amid heightened tensions between Turkey and Israel. Both nations have been active militarily in Syria since the ousting of former leader Bashar Assad in 2024. Turkey has maintained a military presence in northern and eastern Syria for years, and is now one of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's key allies.

Israel accuses Turkey of attempting to destabilize Syria and undermine its new administration. Despite these tensions, both countries remain at odds over the war in Gaza. Syrian Foreign Minister al-Shaibani expressed willingness to engage in negotiations with Israel on de-escalation, but insisted that any agreement must address the security concerns of both parties and respect Syrian sovereignty.