Disarmament of PKK terrorist group threatens Tel Aviv’s interests: Israeli media
Terrorists of the PKK carries an rifles on a road in the Qandil Mountains, the so-called PKK headquarters in Iraq, on June 22, 2018. (AFP Photo)
Israeli media reports suggest that the potential disarmament of the PKK could pose a threat to Israel’s strategic interests in Syria, with analysts warning of a shift in regional power dynamics.
Israeli concerns over regional impact
According to reports, the recent call by terrorist organization PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan for the organization to lay down arms and dissolve itself could trigger significant geopolitical changes.
Analysts argue that such a development may enhance Türkiye’s influence while weakening Israel’s strategic position in Syria. Since Israel and other countries in the region use the PKK terrorist organization as a trump card against Türkiye, the possibility of losing such a trump card has changed plans in some countries for the region.
In an analysis published by Haaretz, experts noted that “a ceasefire could alter Syria’s power dynamics and challenge Israel’s presence in the country.” The report highlighted that under previous agreements, Syrian airspace was kept accessible to Israel through coordination with Russia.
However, if Türkiye takes over this role from Moscow, Israel’s illegal access to Syrian airspace could be restricted.
PKK disarmament and US military presence
Israeli analysts also pointed out that if the PKK and its Syrian offshoot, the SDF, were to disband, it could lead to broader consequences, including the potential withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria.
The report emphasized that such a scenario could shift the balance of power in favor of Türkiye and force the SDF to comply with directives from the Syrian government, limiting their operational area.
The Jerusalem Post noted that if Türkiye perceives resistance to Ocalan’s call within the PKK/YPG ranks, it may intensify military operations in northern Syria.
Strategic implications for Israel
Israeli media outlets including Yedioth Ahronoth and Channel 14 reported that PKK’s dissolution would have significant ramifications for northern Iraq and Syria.
The potential restructuring of power could also impact Israel’s standing in Syria.
Reports indicated that if Türkiye secures full control over northern Syria, Israel could face increased international scrutiny regarding its occupations in southern Syria.
DEM Party’s public statement on PKK disarmament
Following a recent visit at Imrali Island prison, a delegation from the Kurdish-oriented Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) held a press conference in Istanbul, where they read a written statement from Ocalan.
The message, delivered in both Kurmanji Kurdish and Turkish read publicly by DEM Party members, emphasized the necessity of PKK’s dissolution, stating, “all groups should lay down their arms, and the PKK must dissolve itself.”
