Turkey expresses concerns over Israel’s military actions in Syria, emphasizing risks associated with Israeli expansionism and the PKK terrorist threat. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warns that Israel’s strategy of weakening Arab states is untenable. With rising tensions following recent Israeli airstrikes and Turkey’s stance on regional security, a potential shift in alliances may emerge.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, has expressed deep concern regarding Israel’s military actions in southern Syria. He warned that Israel’s perception of Arabs and Muslims as threats presents significant dangers, particularly in light of ongoing aggression following Syria’s destabilization. This situation has caused rising tensions between Turkey and the Netanyahu administration as Israel conducts operations within Syria’s borders, intensifying Ankara’s scrutiny of Tel Aviv’s actions.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Fidan categorized Israel’s operations, including troop movements and airstrikes, as clear provocations. He highlighted that Israel’s strategic objective of weakening its neighboring Arab and Muslim states is increasingly untenable, emphasizing the risks associated with such an approach.
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa echoed these sentiments, labeling Israeli attacks as indicative of expansionist motives. Al-Sharaa criticized Israel’s justification of its actions as mere security measures, asserting that this exploitation stems from the collapse of the Assad regime. He mentioned that while responses should be considered carefully, specifics remain undisclosed for now.
Since the onset of Syria’s civil war in 2011, Israel has executed hundreds of airstrikes, primarily targeting government forces and Iranian-affiliated positions. Recent strikes in the south have focused on military sites believed to house weapons and followed a call from Prime Minister Netanyahu for demilitarization in the area. Additionally, Israel’s seizure of the demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights violates previous agreements, exacerbating regional tensions.
Regarding domestic threats, Fidan condemned the PKK terrorist group, identifying its Syrian affiliate YPG as a direct adversary. He expressed Turkey’s desire to allow the new administration in Damascus to tackle the PKK/YPG problem, while indicating potential Turkish intervention in PKK/YPG-controlled areas if necessary. Fidan stated that intelligence and military capabilities could be leveraged to maintain regional stability and combat terrorist threats.
Throughout its 40-year campaign, the PKK has resulted in over 40,000 deaths in Turkey, which includes various civilian demographics. Turkey’s calls for the dissolution of PKK/YPG forces have intensified following the Assad regime’s downfall. Al-Sharaa reassured that no independent armed factions would be tolerated in Syria.
Fidan also remarked on the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions on global security, framing them as a catalyst for Turkey to reevaluate its alliances and to potentially lead a new European security initiative. He noted Turkey’s longstanding NATO membership and its significant military capabilities, underscoring the urgency for Europe to adapt to changing geopolitical dynamics, stating, “The genie is out of the bottle and there is no way to put it back.”
Fidan cautioned against complacency, suggesting that future leaders with similar views to Trump may impose reductions in U.S. commitments to European security, creating additional challenges for regional stability.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s comments highlight Turkey’s heightened concerns regarding Israel’s military activities in Syria and the broader implications for regional security. The potential for Israeli expansionism and the ongoing threat of the PKK/YPG underlines the need for a unified regional approach to security. As Turkey navigates these challenges, its role in shaping future European security structures remains critical, particularly amid uncertainties surrounding U.S. foreign policy.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
