Erdogan’s Explosive Accusation: Is Israel Sabotaging Syria’s Revolution?
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has launched a scathing attack on Israel, accusing it of attempting to “dynamite” Syria’s revolution by fueling ethnic and religious divisions. Speaking at a diplomatic forum in Antalya, Erdogan claimed that Israel’s actions were deliberately destabilizing Syria’s new government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose Islamist faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), played a key role in ousting Bashar al-Assad. Erdogan’s fiery rhetoric underscores the deepening tensions between Turkey and Israel as they vie for influence in war-torn Syria.
The Turkish leader’s accusations come amid high-profile meetings between Erdogan and Sharaa, who is making his second official visit to Turkey since taking power. The two leaders discussed reconstruction efforts and the lifting of economic sanctions on Syria, signaling Ankara’s strong backing for the new regime. However, Israel views Sharaa’s forces as jihadists and has conducted hundreds of airstrikes in Syria, allegedly to prevent Iranian and Hezbollah entrenchment. Erdogan framed these strikes as a direct threat to regional stability, accusing Israel of undermining counterterrorism efforts against ISIS.
Behind the scenes, Turkey and Israel have engaged in tense negotiations to de-escalate their rivalry in Syria. A recent meeting in Azerbaijan between defense officials aimed at preventing further clashes, but experts doubt a lasting agreement is possible. Aron Lund of Century International noted that while both nations will remain militarily active in Syria, the talks may help them “co-exist” without triggering a broader conflict. Meanwhile, Turkey is reportedly seeking to establish military positions inside Syria, including near the T-4 airbase — a frequent target of Israeli strikes.
Erdogan didn’t stop at Syria, lashing out at Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, calling it a “problematic country” that threatens the entire Middle East. His condemnation followed an Israeli airstrike that killed 10 members of a Palestinian family, which he labeled “barbarism.” Turkey has already suspended all trade with Israel over the Gaza war, with Erdogan accusing Netanyahu of committing “genocide.” This hardline stance has further strained Ankara’s relations with Western allies, even as it strengthens ties with Syria’s new leadership.
The broader geopolitical stakes are clear: Turkey sees Syria’s revolution as a chance to reshape the region, while Israel views any Islamist-led government in Damascus as a security nightmare. Erdogan insists he won’t allow Syria to fall into “a new vortex of instability,” but with Israel continuing its strikes and Turkey expanding its military footprint, the risk of direct confrontation looms. The question now is whether diplomatic channels can prevent a full-blown proxy war.
As the war of words escalates, one thing is certain — Syria remains a battleground for regional supremacy. Erdogan’s accusations against Israel reveal just how high the stakes are, with both nations unwilling to back down. Will diplomacy prevail, or will Syria’s revolution become another flashpoint in the Middle East’s endless conflicts?
The Turkish leader’s accusations come amid high-profile meetings between Erdogan and Sharaa, who is making his second official visit to Turkey since taking power. The two leaders discussed reconstruction efforts and the lifting of economic sanctions on Syria, signaling Ankara’s strong backing for the new regime. However, Israel views Sharaa’s forces as jihadists and has conducted hundreds of airstrikes in Syria, allegedly to prevent Iranian and Hezbollah entrenchment. Erdogan framed these strikes as a direct threat to regional stability, accusing Israel of undermining counterterrorism efforts against ISIS.
Behind the scenes, Turkey and Israel have engaged in tense negotiations to de-escalate their rivalry in Syria. A recent meeting in Azerbaijan between defense officials aimed at preventing further clashes, but experts doubt a lasting agreement is possible. Aron Lund of Century International noted that while both nations will remain militarily active in Syria, the talks may help them “co-exist” without triggering a broader conflict. Meanwhile, Turkey is reportedly seeking to establish military positions inside Syria, including near the T-4 airbase — a frequent target of Israeli strikes.
Erdogan didn’t stop at Syria, lashing out at Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, calling it a “problematic country” that threatens the entire Middle East. His condemnation followed an Israeli airstrike that killed 10 members of a Palestinian family, which he labeled “barbarism.” Turkey has already suspended all trade with Israel over the Gaza war, with Erdogan accusing Netanyahu of committing “genocide.” This hardline stance has further strained Ankara’s relations with Western allies, even as it strengthens ties with Syria’s new leadership.
The broader geopolitical stakes are clear: Turkey sees Syria’s revolution as a chance to reshape the region, while Israel views any Islamist-led government in Damascus as a security nightmare. Erdogan insists he won’t allow Syria to fall into “a new vortex of instability,” but with Israel continuing its strikes and Turkey expanding its military footprint, the risk of direct confrontation looms. The question now is whether diplomatic channels can prevent a full-blown proxy war.
As the war of words escalates, one thing is certain — Syria remains a battleground for regional supremacy. Erdogan’s accusations against Israel reveal just how high the stakes are, with both nations unwilling to back down. Will diplomacy prevail, or will Syria’s revolution become another flashpoint in the Middle East’s endless conflicts?
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