Democrats leader Maj. Gen. (ret.) Yair Golan slammed the Israeli strike in Syria, calling it a dangerous move that could bring Israel closer to confrontation with Turkey and deepen the rift with its allies, primarily the United States. In a statement, Golan said “once again military force is being used for political considerations, and once again Israel is paying the price in security.” He called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “an extremist and unreliable figure who cannot be trusted and certainly cannot be relied upon to build a stable regional framework.”
Golan added that the government’s conduct “erodes trust in Israel, distances partners and allies from us.” He called for leadership that uses force to achieve security, not—as he put it—”to create another war for political survival.” Turkey already holds about 5% of Syria’s territory. In fact, the Turkish army is in the north of the country, but Israel is not willing to let the Turks begin a creeping occupation inside Syria, so that they will slowly deepen their grip on the country and perhaps even move closer to the Golan Heights.
Israel has received solid information that the Turks are planning to take control, or at least establish a significant military presence, at an airport near the city of Idlib, in the north of the country. At the same time, behind the scenes efforts were made both with Syria and with the Turks through American mediation, to try to close this event before Israel moves to real military activity. More and more messages were transmitted from Jerusalem to Ankara through Washington’s mediation, and from Jerusalem to Damascus through American mediation, but these messages were not answered. Therefore, Israel decided to initiate what could perhaps be called the ‘Deir Balq’ attack for the Turks.
The Turks are currently responding with words, not military action. Turkey accuses Israel of fomenting war in the region and endangering regional stability, and declares that it will continue to cooperate with Syria. However, what is hidden behind those words and promises is President Erdoğan’s vision of reviving the Ottoman Empire, including by taking over Syria.
For Israel, Turkish military expansion into Syria is an unacceptable scenario. It could start out as a slow, creeping advance, but if it is not stopped while the presence is still small and distant, we could wake up one day to find Turkish soldiers on the border in the Golan Heights.