Türkiye’s Presence in Syria Raises Concerns for Israel

Türkiye’s Presence in Syria and Concerns for Israel

The Turkish military presence in Syria constitutes a significant potential threat to Israel due to Türkiye’s NATO combat doctrine, Israeli expert Dr. Eitan Hai Cohen told 103FM.

Cohen discussed what he described as the strengthening of economic and strategic ties between Ankara and Washington in Syria and the potential implications for Israel.

According to Cohen, Türkiye has become a central strategic player in the region since the fall of the Assad regime and has positioned itself as a mediator between Syria and the United States.

“What we saw about a week ago is essentially a red line, an Israeli declaration that Israel does not want to see any kind of Turkish presence in central Syria,” Dr. Eitan Hai Cohen said.

Türkiye’s Role in Syria

Cohen said that Türkiye has taken an increasingly active role in Syria following the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime.

According to the expert, Türkiye began training Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and also approached the United States about removing American sanctions on Syria.

“Turkey began training Ahmed al-Sharaa. They also approached the US to remove the American sanctions on Syria. What is the reason? To rebuild Syria,” Cohen explained.

The expert said Türkiye has a clear economic interest in Syria’s reconstruction, particularly because of the strength of its construction sector.

Strategic and Economic Ties

Cohen’s comments focused on the growing economic and strategic relationship between Türkiye, Syria and the United States.

Since the fall of the Assad regime, Ankara has increased its involvement in Syria and has sought to position itself as an important intermediary between Damascus and Washington.

The reconstruction of Syria is also seen as an area of significant economic interest for Türkiye, with its construction industry potentially playing an important role in rebuilding the country.

Why Israel Is Concerned

According to Cohen, Türkiye’s military presence in Syria is particularly significant because of the way the Turkish armed forces operate under NATO military doctrine.

He argued that the growing Turkish presence in central Syria could create strategic concerns for Israel.

Cohen also referred to a recent Israeli strike in Syria, describing it as a possible warning regarding Türkiye’s presence in the country.

The comments reflect the assessment of an Israeli expert and should not be interpreted as an official statement by the Israeli or Turkish governments.

A Changing Regional Balance

Türkiye’s expanding role in Syria comes as the regional balance continues to change following the fall of the Assad regime.

Ankara’s involvement includes military cooperation, diplomatic efforts and economic interests linked to Syria’s reconstruction.

At the same time, Israel is closely monitoring developments in Syria and the involvement of other regional and international actors.

The extent of Türkiye’s future military and economic role in Syria remains an important issue for the wider regional security environment.