07.04.2025 17:53
Former head of the Mossad Counter-Terrorism Division, Oded Eilam, stated that Israel is afraid of entering into a confrontation in Syria due to Turkey's military capabilities. Eilam noted that the question is not whether a conflict will occur between the two countries, but rather when it will happen. He argued that Israel should seek assistance from the United States to stop Turkey.
Former Mossad Counter-Terrorism Division Head Oded Eilam stated that Israel is afraid of entering into a confrontation in Syria due to Turkey's military capabilities. In his article published in Israel Hayom, Eilam wrote that Israel and Turkey are moving towards conflict in Syria.
"ISRAEL IS CHANGING ITS FOCUS, AFRAID OF CONFRONTATION"
Noting that the post-Baath regime period in Syria has started very quickly, Eilam pointed out that a "very problematic strategic reality has emerged" for Israel, which carries out massacres in the Gaza Strip while occupying parts of Lebanon and Syrian territory, and stated, "Israel is changing its focus, afraid of confrontation." Eilam indicated in his article that the Tel Aviv administration has focused on Iran until now, saying, "There is now a new player. Turkey has the second strongest army in NATO. It is a well-equipped army with intelligence and air capabilities far superior to Iran."
"ISRAEL'S ACTIONS WILL HAVE CONSEQUENCES"
Recalling that the Israeli army has carried out airstrikes in some areas of Syria in recent weeks, Eilam conveyed that Israel is greatly concerned about the claims that Turkey will establish a military base in Syria and the presence of the Turkish Armed Forces near the country's northern border. Eilam suggested that Israel needs to make fundamental tactical changes to prevent Turkey from deploying an air defense system in Syria, arguing that the most concerning scenario for Israel is the possibility of Turkey deploying an F-16 fleet along with HİSAR and S-400 air defense systems in Syria, which would mean that Israel's actions would have consequences.
"IT'S NOT A MATTER OF WHETHER A CONFLICT WILL OCCUR, BUT WHEN"
Beyond military concerns, Eilam expressed that "Israel's direct confrontation with Turkey is no longer a theoretical scenario," noting that "it's not a matter of whether a conflict will occur, but when it will happen." Eilam emphasized that Turkey is also an important military actor for countries like Azerbaijan, Qatar, and Libya, stating, "Turkey is no longer a guest in Syria; it is the host."
"ISRAEL SHOULD ASK FOR HELP FROM THE US"
Pointing out that the US has been silent regarding Turkey's effectiveness, Eilam argued that Israel should ask the US for help to stop Turkey, writing: "In such a situation, only a superpower can disrupt the balance: the US. Uncle Sam, who can build bridges, mediate, and calm the situation on his own, is not intervening in any way. Israel should call on Washington to roll up its sleeves and intervene immediately."
ISRAEL'S CONTINUING ATTACKS IN SYRIA
Since the fall of the Baath regime on December 8, 2024, Israel has been both occupying Syrian territory and conducting airstrikes in certain areas. The Israeli army carried out more than 14 airstrikes on April 2 at Hama Airport and surrounding areas, as well as airstrikes on a military infrastructure in the capital Damascus and artillery attacks in the west of Dera province. On April 3, Israel also targeted the Kisva neighborhood of Damascus with an airstrike.