Diplomacy becomes essential national security tool to combat Turkey's growing strength

A recent phone call between Israel's Mossad chief Roman Gofman and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, reportedly concerning Turkey's expanding military presence in Syria, has taken center stage in regional security discussions. This direct communication, occurring between intelligence heads of nations technically at war, underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.

The conversation preceded an Israeli airstrike on the Abu al-Duhur airbase. Israel stated the strike was a response to Syria's alleged nearing of a breach of an agreed security status quo by permitting Turkish forces to deploy there. This incident highlights Israel's deep concerns over Turkey's increasing military influence and potential troop deployments, weapons sales, and drone operations within Syria.

The editorial argues that Turkey, a NATO member, is pursuing the privileges of a Western alliance while increasingly treating Israel as a strategic adversary. This is evidenced by a military cooperation memorandum signed between Ankara and Damascus last year, which covers training and support involving weapons systems and logistics. Turkish officers have reportedly visited Syrian facilities, including the Abu al-Duhur airbase, prior to the Israeli strike.

Relations between Israel and Turkey had been improving before the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack. However, since then, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's repeated refusal to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization, instead calling it a "liberation group," has led to a significant souring of ties. Israel recalled its diplomats from Turkey, and Ankara subsequently recalled its ambassador, marking a sharp downturn in bilateral relations.