Israel concerned over potential Syria-Türkiye pipeline route for Gulf energy to Europe
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a conference on antisemitism in Jerusalem on March 27, 2025. (AFP Photo)
In a development that could reshape Middle Eastern energy politics, Israel is reportedly concerned about the possibility of Gulf oil and natural gas reaching Europe via Syria and Türkiye, bypassing Israeli territory.
Until recently, Tel Aviv had aspired to route Gulf energy resources through Israel’s Haifa Port to European markets. However, this vision appears to have collapsed following the Syrian revolution and subsequent developments in the region.
The prospect of Syria’s civil war ending and a potential new Damascus administration establishing close ties with Ankara has revitalized interest in a project to transport Qatari gas to Europe via Syria and Türkiye.
Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahronot published an analysis by Nadav Eyal titled “What’s behind the unprecedented tension between Türkiye and Israel?” The article criticized Israel for “lacking a strategy” regarding Syria and asserted that “Türkiye will never cede the Syrian field to Israel.”
The analysis referenced the Qatar-Türkiye natural gas pipeline project, which was on the agenda before Syria’s civil war. The article suggested this project could reemerge, noting that “Ankara will never allow Israel to jeopardize this.”
“Türkiye, which considers Syria a strategic priority, will not surrender this field to Israel,” the article stated, while examining the possibility of a Türkiye-friendly administration being established in Syria and stability being restored.
Former Israeli envoy urges diplomatic approach
Amira Oron, Israel’s former ambassador to Türkiye, emphasized the importance of the potential pipeline project for Ankara, which would transport Qatari natural gas through Syria to Türkiye and then to Europe.
“Türkiye plays a key role in Syria’s stability. Israel would do well to establish contact with Ankara through diplomatic channels rather than risking military confrontation,” Oron stated.
Oron further elaborated that “Turning Türkiye into an enemy like Iran would be a grave mistake,” she said. “Despite Erdogan’s harsh rhetoric, Türkiye plays a significant role in maintaining Syria’s stability.”
The former ambassador noted that some countries in the region suspect Israel’s goal is to fragment Syria, adding, “These countries believe that Türkiye is trying to maintain a stable state structure in Syria.”
Criticism of Israel’s Syria policy
The article also criticized Israel for failing to establish a clear policy for Syria despite increasing airstrikes, expanding land occupation, and efforts to connect with Druze and other minorities.
The analysis warned that interventions by Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration in Syria could trigger several dangerous scenarios, including “increasing conflicts with the Syrian government, involvement in sectarian conflict, and even opening a new front with the Turkish army.”
“Opening a new front at a time when current fronts (such as Gaza and Lebanon, where Israeli attacks continue) remain unresolved is a risk Israel cannot afford to take,” the article concluded.
The “Qatar-Türkiye Natural Gas Pipeline,” shelved in 2009 after the fall of Syria’s 61-year Baath Regime, has recently been brought back to the agenda by energy stakeholders in the region.
