Israel may be forced to negotiate with Türkiye over Syria: Israeli media

Following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Israel’s media has begun assessing the implications of Türkiye’s rising influence in the region.

An analysis published by Haaretz examines how Israel might face political and military challenges as Türkiye, now aligned with the newly established Syrian government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, increases its role in Syria.

Why it matters

The analysis highlights how Türkiye’s growing presence in Syria could create significant pressure on Israel, particularly regarding its occupation of Syrian territories and military operations within the country.

As Türkiye establishes closer ties with Syria’s new government, Israel may be forced to make political compromises and adjust its military strategies.

Key details

• The new Syrian government, led by figures with strong ties to Türkiye, is receiving increasing international support. This could lead to mounting pressure on Israel to withdraw from occupied territories.
• The analysis also notes that Türkiye’s rising influence could limit Israel’s operational freedom in Syria, particularly by gaining control of the airspace—an area previously dominated by Russia and Iran.
• The article warns that Türkiye may spearhead international efforts to force Israel to pull out of Syria, potentially disrupting Israeli military operations in the region.

Closer look

A major focus of the analysis is the potential shift in regional power dynamics. As Türkiye takes on a more prominent role, it could significantly disrupt Israel’s military operations in Syria by controlling the country’s airspace.

This would limit Israel’s ability to carry out airstrikes and intelligence operations, a capacity it once enjoyed with minimal interference, thanks to Russian and Iranian involvement.

Broader perspective

In the long term, this shifting balance of power could force Israel to negotiate with Türkiye, despite the political costs. The analysis suggests that Israel may have to make strategic compromises, including potential agreements that carry significant political implications, particularly concerning Gaza and other sensitive regions.

This evolving situation could mark a turning point in Israel’s foreign policy, requiring Israel to engage diplomatically with Türkiye and address mutual interests while making difficult concessions.