Türkiye Israel coordination talks not normalization, defense ministry says

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MoD) clarified the nature of recent talks with Israel, stressing that the dialogue is not part of a normalization process but a targeted effort to avoid direct conflict during military operations in Syria.

The remarks were made during a press briefing held at the 40th Commando Training Brigade Command in Isparta, where ministry officials addressed multiple security-related topics, including Türkiye’s regional coordination with Iraq and its leadership in Black Sea peace planning.

Türkiye, Israel discuss Syria coordination mechanism

Ministry sources explained that a technical meeting between Türkiye and Israel was recently held in Azerbaijan to explore the establishment of a deconfliction mechanism.

“The first technical meeting on the establishment of a deconfliction mechanism was held in Azerbaijan,” the ministry sources said.

“This is not a normalization process, but rather a structure of communication and coordination aimed at ensuring safe and controlled military activities in Syria and preventing direct clashes between the two countries. It is being developed to reduce tensions, prevent misunderstandings, preserve stability in the region, and eliminate the risk of conflict through mutual briefings on field operations,” the ministry stated.

Black Sea security discussions involve 21 nations

Turning to regional maritime security, the ministry reported the outcome of a high-level meeting held in Ankara, where 39 representatives from 21 countries gathered to discuss Black Sea peacekeeping efforts.

“Türkiye continues its efforts for peace within the Coalition of the Willing and leads military planning efforts in the maritime domain,” officials said, adding that all parties agreed the Montreux Convention would remain in effect unless a formal peace treaty is signed between Russia and Ukraine.

“On April 15–16, a meeting coordinated by the Turkish General Staff brought together 39 foreign representatives from 21 countries. Participants agreed on Türkiye’s continued leadership in maritime planning, as well as the application of the Montreux Convention in its current form until a peace agreement is signed,” the ministry added.

“Should the war between Russia and Ukraine result in a ceasefire, several voluntary countries are planning activities to preserve peace,” the ministry concluded.

Türkiye-Iraq security mechanism advances at Diplomacy Forum

Turkish MoD officials also outlined progress in bilateral security cooperation with Iraq. The fifth meeting of the Türkiye-Iraq High-Level Security Mechanism took place during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

“The meeting served as a platform for institutionalizing our security and counterterrorism engagements with Iraq,” the sources explained.

“Held in a constructive atmosphere, strategic issues between the two friendly and brotherly nations were discussed in detail. The sides agreed on enhancing coordination in the military, border security, counterterrorism, and defense industries. It was underlined that the PKK is a threat to both countries and that disbandment and disarmament must proceed without delay,” the ministry concluded.

Türkiye condemns Israel’s blockade of Gaza aid

Ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk also condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza during the briefing.

“Israel’s increasing attacks in Palestine and its obstruction of humanitarian aid to Gaza violate international law,” Akturk said.

“This situation is worsening the humanitarian tragedy in the region. The international community must abandon its ineffective stance and increase pressure on Israel to respect fundamental human values.”

“A permanent cease-fire must be declared as soon as possible, and an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders, must be established to ensure regional stability,” the MoD spokesperson concluded.” A permanent cease-fire must be declared as soon as possible, and an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders, must be established to ensure regional stability,” the MoD spokesperson concluded.