Israel: Secret channels with Turkiye to prevent Syria clash

Shafaq News- Middle East

Israel and Turkiye are using secret channels to prevent military friction over Syria, Israeli media reported on Sunday, warning that Israel would “act” against Turkish deployments it considers a threat.

Citing a security official, one Israeli outlet said Israel does not want to turn Turkiye into an enemy, but has set “red lines” against air-defense systems, drones, and missiles in Syria that could restrict Israeli military operations.

On August 18, Israel struck Syria’s Abu Al-Duhur airbase, hitting runways and storage facilities. Israel linked the attack to concerns over a possible Turkish military presence at the site, while Turkiye’s Defense Ministry denied that any Turkish military delegation was present at the base before or during the strike.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani later acknowledged that Turkish officers had visited Abu Al-Duhur for training and military cooperation, but denied plans for a permanent Turkish base or military buildup.

US Envoy Tom Barrack later stated that Israel did not notify Washington before the strike, warning that it could have triggered a broader confrontation with Turkiye. The United States is now working on a “deconfliction and information-sharing” mechanism involving Israel, Turkiye, and Syria.