Turkish and Israeli Officials Hold Rare Talks on Syria Conflict Prevention

This week, Turkish and Israeli officials met in Azerbaijan for their first technical discussions regarding a conflict prevention mechanism in Syria, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced on Thursday. The meeting occurred on Wednesday and constitutes a rare diplomatic occasion for the two countries, which have had strained relations due to conflicting military activities in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime.

Turkey oversees a buffer zone in northern Syria and insists its troops will not withdraw until there is security in the region. Meanwhile, Israel conducts airstrikes against what it calls threats from Iran-aligned groups in Syria’s new regime. Ankara labeled Israeli airstrikes a "provocative attack" undermining Syria's territorial integrity and called on Israel to cease its "expansionist posture." Israel labelled Turkey's troop presence in Syria a "danger" and warned that it could destabilize the region.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan indicated acceptance of Ankara's desire of non-confrontation, but stated it would respond in cases where instability in Syria threatens the country's security. He condemned Israel for reaction to "speculative threats," while promising diplomacy would be pursued for de-escalation. The discussions come in the wake of heightened rhetoric than Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has condemned Israel for its actions in Gaza while calling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the "Butcher of Gaza." Turkey has suspended trade with Israel and joined a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

On a recent visit to the U.S., Netanyahu asked President Donald Trump to support him in opposing Turkey. Trump, however, praised Erdoğan's leadership and offered to mediate, saying “Erdoğan is smart and tough. I have a very good relationship with him.”