Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently voiced strong accusations against Israel, claiming that its persistent military actions are intended to destabilize Syria. This statement was made during his visit to Damascus, where discussions with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shaibani, focused on the importance of diplomacy amidst ongoing regional tensions.
Israel’s Military Actions in Syria
Fidan’s allegations come in the wake of Israel’s airstrike on the previously unused Abu Duhur airbase located in northwest Syria. Israel justified the strike by asserting the need to preemptively address the potential deployment of Turkish troops to the site. However, Turkish officials have denied any plans to send forces to the airbase. Fidan implies that Israel is not just a participant in this complex situation but a key actor undermining the stability and future of Syria.
He pointedly remarked at a joint press conference, “Just as Syria offers so much hope to the region and the world, there is suddenly an actor striving to destabilize the country.” Fidan explicitly named Israel as that destabilizing force, emphasizing that the nation’s military strategies act as barriers to the positive progress that Syria could potentially achieve.
Impact on Syrian Stability
Fidan elaborated on the detrimental effect of Israel’s actions, stating that ongoing strikes represent a significant hindrance to Syria’s path towards stability. The recent attack on the Abu Duhur airbase serves as a highlighted example of such destabilizing efforts. Since December 2024, global attention has been drawn to the chaos in Syria, particularly following the ousting of the long-standing leader Bashar al-Assad. After his removal by Islamist factions, including groups led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, the scrambling of power dynamics has left the region in a precarious state.
Israel’s military incursions into Syrian territory have been characterized by a continuous presence in a UN-monitored buffer zone on the Golan Heights, a region Israel annexed years ago. Furthermore, Israeli military officials have openly declared their intent to maintain troop deployments within Syria, raising significant concerns among neighboring countries and further complicating diplomatic relations.
Responses from Syrian Leadership
In response to the airstrike, Shaibani remarked that the attack delivered a “destructive message” aimed at undermining the reconstruction and stabilization efforts in Syria. He firmly stated that such military actions lack any legitimate justification and reaffirmed that they do not diminish the relationship between Syria and Turkey. Shaibani stressed the need for Israel to withdraw from territories it has occupied since Assad’s removal, labeling the situation as both unlawful and a violation of sovereignty.
Fidan’s recent statements not only convey Turkey’s support for Syria but also highlight the growing tension in the region. With President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expected to make an official visit to Syria soon, the political landscape remains as fluid as ever. The balancing act between military operations, diplomatic negotiations, and the fear of escalated conflict continues to dominate the narrative surrounding Syrian sovereignty and regional stability.