Netanyahu: Israel not seeking conflict with Turkey, but warns against southward advance

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that recent Israeli strikes on the Abu al-Duhur Air Base in northwestern Syria were intended to prevent Turkey from advancing its military presence further south in the region. Netanyahu conveyed this message to both Ankara and Damascus, asserting that Israel would not tolerate Turkish military entrenchments in an airbase south of Turkey's current positions.

Netanyahu explained that diplomatic warnings were issued through various channels, including the United States, and directly to the Syrian regime. He indicated that a certain status quo had existed, but it was either disrupted or planned to be disrupted. When these diplomatic overtures failed to yield results, Israel resorted to what he termed "kinetic methods" – direct military action.

"It was clear the message was not received. Therefore, we had to show it in ways we call 'kinetic methods' in our terminology," Netanyahu said, referring to the use of direct military force like bombs and missiles. He stressed that Israel does not seek conflict with Turkey but must continuously enhance its military capabilities to ensure its security.

"You cannot rely solely on the intentions of the enemy. Intentions change," Netanyahu stated. He added, "When you are weak, they attack; when you are strong, they respect you. And they make peace with the strong." He observed that power dynamics in the region are rapidly shifting, with one power collapsing and another rising, but emphasized that Israel's own power must be the most significant to rise.

Netanyahu reiterated his decision to establish a security belt in Syria against potential "jihadist occupation" from the Syrian region. He also noted Turkey's presence in northern Syria, stating, "I do not want Turkey to come south." He warned both Turkey and the Syrian regime against allowing this southward movement, indicating that the previous status quo had been disturbed. Israel's message about not tolerating Turkish military fortification in an airbase south of their current area was sent through American channels, other means, and directly to Syria. The failure to receive this message necessitated the use of kinetic methods.