Turkey’s Rise Is Israel’s New Problem
The Middle East’s newest rivals in the Levant region are Washington’s two key allies there.
Turkey's increasing assertiveness in Syria is becoming a challenge for Israel, its longtime ally in the region. This issue is now becoming a new problem for the Trump administration, as both nations vie for influence in the post-United States withdrawal Middle East. The attack on the Abu al-Duhur air base in Syria by Israel, following a warning from Israel's Mossad, escalated tensions with Turkey, which sees the base as a strategic asset.
Israel's Mossad had specifically cautioned Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani against hosting a Turkish delegation, fearing it would strengthen Turkey's military presence in the region. The Turkish presidential office denounced the Israeli airstrike as "unlawful," asserting its sovereignty over the region. Despite the diplomatic spat, Turkey continues to hold over 20,000 troops in Syria, eyeing a vacuum as they compete with Israel to shape the region's future.
While Turkey has praised U.S. President Donald Trump for his support for Turkey's military might, Israel has accused Israel of "baiting" Turkey, despite ongoing tensions between the two nations. As Israel's October elections loom, the strategic alliance between Israel and Turkey might be put to the test.
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- Turkey’s Rise Is Israel’s New Problem foreignpolicy.com
