Trump's Biggest Middle East Crisis Looms Not in Iran, But Among Two Allies
A former U.S. official told Newsweek that "in one sense, the likelihood of conflict is quite high" between Israel and Turkey.
The escalating feud between Israel and Turkey has taken a new turn, with an Israeli strike reportedly targeting a Syrian airbase just hours after a Turkish defense delegation visited. Israel accused Damascus of violating security arrangements, while Turkey condemned the Israeli move as a breach of Syria's sovereignty, calling for the Israeli premier's arrest on charges of genocide and other crimes.
Tensions have escalated, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu branding Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan an "antisemitic dictator." The competition between the two allies is not expected to result in a direct military confrontation, but both nations are increasingly influenced by domestic political calendars. The volatile Syrian theater is filled with numerous actors, and Erdogan's recent alignment with former Islamist militant chief-turned-pragmatic leader President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Syria has further strained relations with Israel.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
