Israel struck Syria to prevent Turkey from establishing in the country, fmr. IDF Navy chief says

Israel's recent strike in Syria was aimed at preventing Turkey from establishing a foothold in the country, according to former Israeli Navy commander V.-Adm. (ret.) Eliezer Marom. Speaking in a 103FM interview, Marom stated that Iran's presence in Syria has significantly diminished, creating a vacuum that Israel does not want Turkey to fill.

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I think the Americans knew about it. They know how to speak in two languages. A condemnation on the one hand is a way of telling Israel, sit quietly, everything is fine, we're moving on.

"We don't want the Turks to enter this gap that has been created and establish a position in Syria," Marom explained. He noted that Turkey had intended to send a delegation to prepare an airport for its activity, which was subsequently attacked. This action, he asserted, demonstrates Israel's resolve to prevent Turkish control over Syria, though it carries a risk of regional escalation.

Marom suggested that the U.S. condemnation of the strike was largely performative. "I think the Americans knew about it. They know how to speak in two languages," he said, interpreting the condemnation as a signal for Israel to remain calm while the U.S. "moves on."

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We don't want the Turks to enter this gap that has been created and establish a position in Syria.

Despite the tensions, Marom assessed that a direct military confrontation between Israel and Turkey is improbable at this stage. He cited Turkey's NATO membership, its desire to join the European Union, and its current economic difficulties as significant deterrents for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "I don't currently see Erdogan making a decision and going to war against Israel," Marom concluded.

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There are enough brakes here to prevent this from happening. First, Turkey is a member of NATO, so there is a very significant restraint on it. Second, Turkey will want to join the European Union at some point. Third, the Turkish economy is not at its best, and therefore I don't currently see Erdogan making a decision and going to war against Israel.