Turkey Voices Concerns Over Israeli Military Actions in Syria

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expresses significant concerns over Israeli military actions in Syria, describing them as provocative. He warns that Israel perceives Arab countries as threats. Fidan also flags the ongoing threat from the PKK and indicates Turkey’s readiness to address the issue directly. He suggests that recent U.S. policies have prompted Europe to reassess its security landscape, with Turkey seeking a central role in future frameworks.

On Thursday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed grave concerns regarding Israel’s military actions in southern Syria, highlighting a perceived threat from Israel’s view of Arabs and Muslims. As Turkey stands firm as a critic of Israel’s policies towards Palestinians, apprehensions regarding Israel’s encroachment into Syria have intensified following the decline of the Baathist regime.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Minister Fidan described the recent troop movements and attacks by Israel as “a clear provocation.” He warned, “Israel sees every Arab and Muslim country as a threat, and it is extremely dangerous. The strategy of keeping all its border states weak is untenable.”

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa condemned Israel’s incursions, stating that these actions represent “expansionist intentions.” He remarked that Israel’s justification of its aggression as a response to security concerns disguises its true motives, asserting that the situation calls for a calculated response that should remain undisclosed for now.

Since the onset of Syria’s civil war in 2011, Israel has executed numerous airstrikes, primarily targeting governmental forces and Iranian-related positions. Controversially, after the removal of Bashar Assad’s regime, Israel has continued relentless strikes against military sites, most recently attacking sites in southern Syria just after calls for demilitarization surfaced.

Fidan specifically addressed the threat posed by the PKK, defining the PKK’s Syrian affiliate, YPG, as “the sworn enemy” of Turkey. He emphasized that Turkey is open to allowing the new Syrian administration an opportunity to resolve the PKK/YPG crisis but warned that Turkey might have to intervene directly in the camps currently held by these groups.

Fidan also referenced the broader implications of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent actions, describing them as a catalyst for European leaders to reevaluate their security strategies. He indicated that Turkey, a NATO member with the second-largest military, would seek a central role in any new security architecture in Europe, stressing that “the genie is out of the bottle and there is no way to put it back.” He raised concerns that future U.S. leaders might withdraw support from European security initiatives, following Trump’s precedent.

In summary, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan articulates significant apprehensions regarding Israel’s military operations in Syria, fearing escalation due to perceived threats against Arab and Muslim nations. He highlights the need for regional responses to both Israeli aggression and the PKK’s activities. Additionally, he underscores Turkey’s ambition to play a pivotal role in European security frameworks amidst shifting U.S. policies.

Original Source: www.dailysabah.com