Behind the Scenes: Israel and Turkey Hold Secret Talks to Avoid a Clash

Against a backdrop of growing tensions between Israel and Turkey following the recent strikes in Syria, officials in Jerusalem are trying, on the one hand, to prevent a deterioration in relations with Ankara, while on the other making clear that they will not allow a Turkish military presence that could endanger the Israeli Air Force’s freedom of operation. A security source said that secret channels are operating between the two countries to convey messages and reduce the risk of friction, Kan News on Kan Bet reported Sunday morning.

According to the source, "Israel has no desire to turn Turkey into an enemy, and secret channels exist between the countries to convey messages and prevent friction." At the same time, the source made clear that the diplomatic and security channels have their limits: "When messages are not effective, Israel is forced to act."

At the heart of the dispute is the possibility that Turkey will expand its military presence in Syria. Israel has set red lines regarding that presence, particularly when it comes to bringing air-defense systems, drones, and missiles into Syrian territory, measures that could endanger the Israeli Air Force’s freedom of operation.

Israeli concerns were also reflected in messages conveyed to the United States. Last night, the program "Seven" on Kan News reported that Israeli security officials had updated the Americans that Turkey was preparing to deploy radar at the Abu al-Duhur airport in northern Syria. According to those officials, air-defense systems operated by Turkish soldiers were planned for deployment there at a later stage.

Amid those concerns, the IDF struck buildings and runways at the airport before the equipment reached its destination. At the same time, Israel’s message to the Syrian regime was that it does not oppose the building of the Syrian army itself, but it will not allow a new threat to emerge within the country near its borders.

The strikes prompted a response from Ankara, which denied that its personnel had been at the base during the Israeli operation. The Turkish statement said that "no Turkish military delegation was present at the Syrian air force base before or during the Israeli strikes."