In a move officials told Digital was “intended to send a clear message to Turkey not to interfere with Israeli aerial operations in Syrian airspace,” Israel launched airstrikes on Syrian airfields this week.
This action signifies a shift in Jerusalem’s approach to Ankara, as Turkey seeks to increase its military presence in Syria amidst regional instability.
The Israeli military targeted key assets at the Hama military airport and the T-4 airbase, including runways, fuel depots, radar installations, and weapons storage. These strikes followed weeks of Israeli air force intelligence gathering, which involved tracking military resources at the targeted locations.
The airbases, previously under the control of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government, are now reportedly being considered for expanded use and the installation of air defense systems.
Turkey’s growing ambitions in Syria are evident. Reports suggest Turkish forces have started taking control of the T-4 base and plan to deploy air defense systems there. Since Assad’s fall in December, Ankara has accelerated discussions with Syria’s interim government regarding a possible defense agreement.
responded strongly to the Israeli strikes, denouncing Israel’s government as “racist and fundamentalist” and accusing it of pursuing expansionist goals. A ministry spokesperson stated, “Israel’s attacks in Syria, without any provocation, are inconceivable and indicate a policy that thrives on conflict,” further condemning the military operations as a threat to regional security.
Digital’s requests for comment from the Turkish embassy spokesman in Washington, D.C., went unanswered.
Dr. Sinan Ciddi, a Turkey expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Digital that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is trying to exploit the regional void left by Russia and Iran.
“Erdogan is trying to revive Turkey’s influence in the region as a kind of neo-Ottoman power,” Ciddi said. “He sees Iran’s proxies weakened, Russia overstretched, and is positioning Turkey to dominate the region — particularly through military footholds like the airbases.”
According to Ciddi, Erdogan’s broader strategy involves projecting power in Syria, gaining favor with the new government in Damascus, and persuading the U.S. to allow Turkey access to F-35 fighter jets in exchange .
“Erdogan wants to approach Trump and assert, ‘I’m the dominant force here. Leave Syria to me, just provide me with the F-35s,’” Ciddi explained. “However, Israel views this as a direct threat. Bombing the T-4 runway sent a clear message: you’re not welcome here.”
The Turkish leader’s — including prayers for the destruction of Israel during a Ramadan service — has further alarmed Israeli and American observers.
During a recent webinar hosted by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Eric Edelman advocated for immediate diplomatic intervention.
“There should be some discreet conversations with Turkey about moderating the rhetoric regarding Israel — threats to destroy it, whether originating from the president or his son at rallies,” Edelman stated. “There needs to be some effort to de-escalate tensions over Syrian airspace.”
Edelman also cautioned that any resumption of F-35 sales to Turkey must be conditional: “If Turkey is indeed going to possess the F-35, there must be very clear understandings about where they are permitted to use it.”
Alan Makovsky, a member of JINSA’s Eastern Mediterranean Policy Project, said, “We can never assume statements like this are just rhetoric,” adding, “Erdogan has hinted in the past about being able to ‘come suddenly one night’ — we have to take that seriously.”
Within Israel, officials are closely monitoring Turkey’s actions in Syria. Avner Golov, vice president of Mind Israel, emphasized that the current situation reflects a more profound ideological danger.
“Iran is clearly the leader of the radical camp, but Erdogan is attempting to establish himself as the second leader — and he’s no less dangerous in terms of potential,” he said. “He doesn’t utilize proxies in the same manner as Iran. He intervenes directly, including inside Israel through Palestinian citizens and political activism.”
“Israel maintains diplomatic relations with Turkey, but Erdogan consistently obstructs meaningful security cooperation within NATO,” Golov added. “Now that Turkey is moving south into Syria, we [Israel] must escalate our rules of engagement. We cannot permit Turkey to establish a long-range air defense umbrella on our border.”
Golov asserted that the current administration must recognize that Erdogan’s ambitions extend beyond Syria. “He aims to become a patron state, to control the skies, and to prevent Israeli operations by claiming we’re violating Syrian sovereignty. However, it’s not about sovereignty — it’s about power and shaping the new Middle East in Muslim Brotherhood colors.”
Regarding the recent protests against the jailing of the mayor of Istanbul, Ciddi commented, “We’ve witnessed a significant challenge to Erdogan with these growing public protests — probably the largest since the 2013 Gezi protests… jailing an opposition candidate before they even run is a clear indication of weakness. Erdogan disregards international criticism or economic repercussions — his sole concern is maintaining his regime. That’s not strength, it’s desperation.”
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