Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has criticized Israel for destabilizing Syria, days after the two countries held talks aimed at easing tensions over Syria’s territorial integrity. In an address to a diplomatic forum in Antalya, Turkey, Erdoğan warned that his country would not allow Syria to be drawn into another period of instability.
Erdoğan accused Israel of trying to undermine the 8 December revolution that toppled former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. He reaffirmed Turkey’s efforts to lift sanctions on Syria and expressed concern about the ongoing Israeli airstrikes in the country.
The Turkish president also met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the forum, highlighting the close dialogue between Ankara and its regional partners regarding Syria’s territorial integrity and stability.
Tensions between Israel and Turkey have risen since Assad’s overthrow, peaking after Israeli forces struck three military bases in Syria. The two countries are engaged in talks to defuse growing tensions over Syria, with the Turkish foreign minister calling for a deconfliction mechanism with Israel to prevent misunderstandings.
Analysts say that the situation in Syria is complex and sensitive, with multiple regional powers involved. Aron Lund, an analyst at Century International, noted that Turkey’s military presence in Syria could limit Israel’s freedom of action and that both countries need to establish clear communication channels to manage their rivalry.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/12/erdogan-lambasts-israel-for-undermining-stability-in-syria