Israel Warns Türkiye Against Strengthening Syria Amid Rising Regional Tensions.

Israel Warns Türkiye Against Strengthening Syria Amid Rising Regional Tensions.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has warned that Israel will not allow Türkiye to strengthen Syria in ways that threaten its security, while insisting that Israel is not seeking a direct military confrontation with Ankara.

Speaking amid heightened regional tensions, Katz said Israel remained committed to protecting its national interests and would act against any perceived threats.

“We will not allow Erdogan to strengthen Syria against us. We know how to defend Israel’s interests,” Katz said.

The defence minister stressed that there is currently no direct military confrontation between Israel and Türkiye and said Israel has no desire to enter one.

“There is no direct military confrontation between Israel and Türkiye at the moment, and we have no desire to enter one,” he said.

However, Katz cautioned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan against pursuing policies that could escalate tensions, adding that Israel would not be deterred.

“But Erdogan should also make sure he has no such ambition, because our strength is with us. We are not intimidated,” Katz said.

The remarks come as relations between Israel and Türkiye remain strained over regional security issues, particularly developments in Syria and the broader Middle East.