'Won't Fall Into Netanyahu's Trap': Turkey Denies Visit To Syria Air Base

Ankara pledges to shield Syria, dismisses Netanyahu's enticement

The Turkish government steadfastly insists that its military has not been present at the Syrian airbase that Israel attacked on Tuesday. The Defense Ministry spokesperson, Zeki Akturk, emphatically denied any Turkish delegation's presence at Abu al-Duhur airbase, both prior to and during the strike. The Turkish Defense Ministry maintains that the Israeli assault was designed to sow discord within Syria and to undermine its territorial integrity.

Turkey's commitment to defending Syria's unity was underlined as the Turkish presidency underscored its steadfast rejection of any enticements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Turkish presidency, echoing Ankara's stance, reiterated that Turkey would not be drawn into a trap set by Netanyahu, drawing upon the country's previous experiences in navigating such crises.

Netanyahu had warned Turkey against establishing military installations in Syria, asserting that such a move would jeopardize Israel's security. He explained that initial general warnings were followed by more detailed clarifications after receiving no response. Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz cautioned Turkey against taking dangerous risks in Syria, warning that Israel would not permit any threats to its security.

Relations between Turkey and Israel have become increasingly tense in recent times, with the strain heightening after conflicts in Lebanon and Syria. Turkey continues to support the new authorities in Syria since the removal of President Bashar Assad in December 2024. However, the recent Israeli airstrike, which targeted a site far from the southern security zone, has further exacerbated the already tense relations.