Brussels | April 5 — Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Turkey has issued a strong warning to Israel, making it clear that Ankara does not want any military confrontation in Syria. Speaking at the NATO summit in Brussels, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized Israel’s recent airstrikes on Syrian military positions, warning that such actions are fueling instability and giving terrorist groups like ISIS a chance to regroup.
“Israel’s attacks in Syria are weakening the fight against terrorism and creating fertile ground for extremist forces,” Fidan said.
Turkey Opposes Direct Conflict, Calls Out Israeli Strikes
Fidan emphasized that Turkey is not seeking any direct clash with Israel in Syria, but firmly denounced recent Israeli strikes on Syrian military infrastructure. He stated these actions undermine joint regional efforts to combat ISIS and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) — groups Turkey considers threats to its national security.
While Ankara has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, even filing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice, it has adopted a more cautious stance on Syria, fearing wider regional instability.
Turkey’s Strategic Tightrope: Opposing Israel, Avoiding Escalation
Turkey has already severed trade ties with Israel over the Gaza conflict but seems reluctant to take further steps that might lead to a military escalation. Ankara fears that an Israeli confrontation in Syria could ignite broader unrest across the region, giving new ground to extremist elements.
Recently, Turkey has also suggested easing Western sanctions on Syria to support reconstruction and regional recovery — signaling its desire to stabilize its war-torn neighbor.
“A new approach is needed for Syria,” Fidan told reporters. “Turkey is consulting closely with allies to support peace and reconstruction efforts.”
He added that if Syria and Israel pursue any kind of direct diplomatic engagement, Turkey would not interfere.
Turkey Pushes Diplomacy in Broader Middle East Conflicts
In addition to its stance on Syria, Turkey continues to play a balancing act in the Russia-Ukraine war, maintaining open lines with both Moscow and Kyiv. Fidan reiterated Turkey’s offer to host peace talks, and encouraged the United States to pursue diplomacy with Iran, emphasizing that dialogue — not force — is the only path to prevent the Middle East from descending into broader chaos.
“Diplomatic solutions are the only way to extinguish the flames of war spreading across the region,” Fidan said.
