A growing confrontation between Israel and Turkey over influence in Syria has posed a serious challenge for Syria’s fragile new government. On Wednesday night, Israel bombed several military targets in Syria, including two airports, causing significant damage and casualties.
The strikes were seen as aimed at disrupting Turkey’s plans to station aircraft and air defence systems in Syria, with Israeli officials accusing Ankara of playing a “negative role” in the region. The incident has strained relations between the two countries, with Turkey’s foreign ministry describing Israel’s actions as “destabilizing” the region.
Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has repeatedly signalled that he is not seeking confrontation with Israel, but the country’s internal divisions are easily inflamed by regional and global interventions. The roots of sectarian conflict run deep in Syria, nourished by decades of repressive rule by the Assad family, members of Syria’s Alawite minority.
Analysts say that Israel’s military interventions in Syria have fueled conflict with both external powers like Turkey, and with internal groups like jihadists in the country’s south. The situation remains volatile, with potential for further escalation as outside powers eye the vacuum left by Syria’s former regime.
Turkey is currently negotiating a joint defence pact with al-Sharaa’s new government, but the incident has raised questions about its commitment to supporting the Syrian president. The risk of conflict between Israel and Turkey in Syria remains a concern, with the potential for regional instability and further bloodshed.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx27y7e2vk9o