Media: Türkiye, Israel in talks to prevent military escalation in Syria

Türkiye and Israel are currently engaged in discussions to establish a demarcation line in Syria, aimed at preventing potential misunderstandings and avoiding clashes between their forces, according to two Western officials who spoke to Middle East Eye.

Last week, Israeli Air Force (IAF) jets carried out several airstrikes targeting military sites in Syria, including the Hama Air Base and the Tiyas Air Base (also known as T4), where Türkiye had plans to station its forces soon. These strikes coincided with Türkiye's preparations to send a technical team to inspect the T4 base and assess the need for its reconstruction.

The officials reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed his colleagues that Israel had a narrow window to strike T4 before Türkiye could deploy its assets there. Netanyahu was quoted as saying that once Türkiye's forces were stationed at the base, it would be off-limits for Israeli operations.

Israeli strikes, whether accidental or intentional, on Turkish forces in Syria could lead to a significant conflict. However, the installation of air defense systems at the bases would also deter Israeli aircraft from conducting operations in the region.

Türkiye plans to deploy Hisar-type air defense systems and create a multi-layered air defense system at and around the T4 base, with capabilities covering short, medium, and long-range threats, including aircraft, drones, and missiles.

Reports also indicate that Türkiye is considering temporarily deploying Russian S-400 air defense systems at the base until the reconstruction is complete.

Another source, familiar with the Turkish-Israeli tensions, confirmed that both countries are negotiating the creation of a demarcation line following Israel's strikes on T4. “Both Israeli and Turkish officials made identical statements on the same day, declaring that they did not seek conflict with each other in Syria. It seems this was coordinated,” the source said.

The primary concern for Israel in Syria remains maintaining its freedom to operate in the country's airspace. The presence of Turkish air defense systems in Syria could potentially prevent Israeli aircraft from conducting operations in Syrian airspace.

“We cannot speak on behalf of the Syrians. Syria’s security issues should be decided by the Syrians themselves,” stated Turkish official Fidan on April 4. “If they want to make certain arrangements with the Israelis, that is their matter,” he added.

By Tamilla Hasanova