Turkish presence in Syria poses threat to Israel due to Ankara’s NATO combat doctrine, expert warns

Dr. Eitan Hai Cohen, an expert, has warned that Turkey's military presence in Syria presents a significant threat to Israel, primarily due to Ankara's adherence to NATO combat doctrine. Cohen discussed the strengthening economic and strategic ties between Turkey and the United States within Syria and the potential implications for Israel's security.

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Turkey began training [Syrian President] Ahmed al-Sharaa. They also approached the US to remove the American sanctions on Syria. What is the reason? To rebuild Syria.

According to Cohen, Turkey has emerged as a central strategic player in the region following the fall of the Assad regime. The country has positioned itself as a mediator between Syria and the US, even training Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and advocating for the removal of American sanctions on Syria. Cohen believes Turkey's primary motivation is to rebuild Syria, driven by its powerful construction sector and a desire to share reconstruction profits with the US and Europe.

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The construction industry in Turkey is very strong. They built in northern Syria; they are there as an occupying force, that is no secret. They are telling the Americans that we can share the profits together; we can make a lot of money here. The Europeans also support it because they want to get rid of the Syrian refugees.

Cohen also highlighted a military development in northeastern Syria earlier this year, where Syrian regime forces took control of oil wells. He noted that immediately after this takeover, the American company Chevron signed a cooperation agreement with the Syrian state oil company. This, he suggested, could provide the US with a new type of foothold in Syria, facilitating political penetration.

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Last January, Syrian regime forces invaded northeastern Syria, the Kurdish region, and took control of the oil wells. Immediately after the Syrian takeover, what did we see? An American company, Chevron, signed a cooperation agreement with the Syrian state oil company. This says a lot of things.

The expert expressed concern over the expansion of Turkey's presence, stating that if the US does not intervene, Turkey will continue its activities, having already signed agreements with the Syrian regime and possessing the legal infrastructure to provide weapons, ammunition, and training. Cohen warned that Israel must carefully consider the capabilities of the Turkish military, particularly in light of their actions and agreements within Syria.

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For the first time in history, the US can penetrate Syria. Until 1918, there was a Turkish presence, then French, then communist, then Russian, then Iranian, and now, Turkey is returning there and telling the US: You were never able to enter Syria, and we can pave the way for you into Syria.