Israel Warns Turkey Against Dangerous Adventures in Syria

Ankara: Turkey says it will continue supporting Syria's sovereignty after Israel bombed a Syrian air base and accused Turkish President Erdogan of dragging his country into "dangerous adventures" there. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was "dragging Turkey into dangerous adventures in Syria" following Israel's recent airstrikes on Syria's Abu al-Duhar air base, claiming Turkish troops were about to deploy there. "Israel will not allow any entity to threaten its security," Katz wrote on X. According to Deutsche Welle, Turkey's Defense Ministry responded by denying any military presence at the Syrian air base and vowed to support Syria's efforts to develop its infrastructure and military capability. The ministry criticized Israel's actions, describing the strikes as "unacceptable," "reckless," and a threat to regional peace and stability. A ministry spokesman stated, "In this context, our efforts and contributions to protect Syria's sovereignty and territo rial integrity, and help it establish a stable and secure environment, will continue resolutely." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized Israel's warning to Syria against allowing a Turkish presence at the air base. "Our message was very clear. Don't. I guess they didn't quite understand the message," Netanyahu said. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani countered that there was no intention to establish a Turkish base or a permanent military presence at the site. He clarified that the air base was being restored for the Syrian Air Force and acknowledged Turkish officers' visits for "ongoing military cooperation." The strikes come amid heightened tensions between Turkey and Israel. Despite establishing a communication line to avoid incidents in Syria, where both militaries are active, Israel has carried out airstrikes in Syria's southwest, citing concerns over the militant background of the country's new rulers. Meanwhile, Turkey maintains a military presence in northern and eastern Syria and accuses Israel of attempting to destabilize the country. Turkey and Israel also remain at odds over the war in Gaza. Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani expressed openness to negotiations with Israel on de-escalation, insisting that any future deal must address security concerns on both sides and respect Syrian sovereignty.