Israel launched airstrikes on Syrian military airfields as a message to Turkey not to interfere with Israeli operations in Syrian airspace. The strikes targeted strategic assets at Hama military airport and the T-4 airbase, both now reportedly being eyed by Turkey for expanded use and deployment of air defense systems. Turkey has signaled growing ambitions in Syria, seeking to take control of the T-4 base and install air defense systems. The Turkish Foreign Ministry sharply condemned Israel’s strikes, labeling the Israeli government as “racist and fundamentalist” with expansionist ambitions. Analysts believe Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is attempting to capitalize on a regional vacuum for dominance.
Experts believe Erdogan is looking to reinstate Turkey as a neo-Ottoman power in the region. He is positioning Turkey to dominate by establishing military footholds like the airbases and projecting power in Syria while seeking favor with the new government in Damascus. Erdogan’s long game reportedly includes convincing the U.S. to grant Turkey access to F-35 fighter jets in exchange for controlling Syria. Recent inflammatory rhetoric from Erdogan, including prayers for the destruction of Israel, has alarmed both Israeli and American observers. Calls for diplomatic intervention to deescalate tensions in Syrian airspace have been made, along with warnings about the renewal of F-35 sales to Turkey and conditions for their use.
Israeli officials are closely monitoring Turkey’s movements in Syria, viewing Erdogan’s ambitions as a significant ideological threat. They note that while Iran is the head of the radical camp, Erdogan seeks to position himself as the second head with direct intervention rather than proxies. Israel has diplomatic ties with Turkey, but Erdogan has blocked meaningful security cooperation within NATO. Concerns have been raised about Turkey moving south into Syria, potentially creating a long-range air defense umbrella on Israel’s border. Analysts suggest that Erdogan’s ambitions extend beyond Syria, aiming to become a controlling force and shape the Middle East in Muslim Brotherhood colors.
The recent protests against the jailing of the mayor of Istanbul have presented a challenge to Erdogan’s regime, with experts seeing it as a sign of weakness rather than strength. Erdogan’s focus on maintaining his rule despite international criticism and economic fallout is seen as desperation rather than strength. In response to Turkey’s aspirations in Syria, Israel is looking to escalate the rules of engagement to prevent Turkey from establishing dominance in the region. The situation marks a turning point in Jerusalem’s stance towards Ankara as Turkey expands its military presence in Syria amidst regional instability. Israel’s airstrikes on Syrian military airfields are viewed as a clear message to Turkey to not interfere with Israeli operations in the region.
