Turkey and Israel Initiate Talks to Prevent Military Clashes in Syria

Turkey and Israel have commenced discussions in Azerbaijan to avert military clashes in Syria and to establish a communication channel to mitigate misunderstandings. Both parties emphasized the need for this mechanism following recent military tensions, including Israeli airstrikes and Turkish military inspections in Syria.

Turkish and Israeli officials initiated discussions aimed at reducing the risk of clashes in Syria on Wednesday. These technical talks, held in Azerbaijan, are focused on creating a communication channel to prevent misunderstandings linked to military operations in the region. According to Turkish ministry sources, this effort marks a crucial first step toward enhancing military coordination between the nations.

An Israeli political source confirmed the meeting, emphasizing that Israel regards any alteration in the deployment of foreign forces in Syria as a significant issue. Specifically, they highlighted that the establishment of Turkish bases around Palmyra is a strict ‘red line’ for Israel. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office corroborated that a delegation led by National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi met with Turkish officials, although specific details about the discussions were not disclosed.

The discussions come in the context of intensified Israeli airstrikes on Syrian targets, which Israel claims serve as warnings to the new Syrian government. Allegations have been made against Turkey regarding efforts to exert control over Syria, branding the situation as a move towards Turkish dominion. In this scenario, Turkey has reportedly examined at least three air bases in Syria for potential troop deployments linked to a defense alliance with the Syrian government.

Despite ongoing tensions, both Turkey and Israel have expressed a desire to avoid conflict in Syria, a territory bordered by both nations. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated the importance of technical talks to mitigate any potential misunderstandings between their militaries. He compared these discussions to existing deconfliction protocols Turkey maintains with the U.S. and Russia in the region.

The technical talks between Turkey and Israel signify a proactive approach to minimizing military conflicts in Syria. Both nations are focused on establishing communication channels to prevent misunderstandings, especially regarding military deployments. As tensions remain high due to recent military actions, these discussions could play a pivotal role in stabilizing the situation and avoiding escalation in one of the region’s most volatile areas.

Original Source: gazette.com