Israel, Turkey Agree on Direct Line To Prevent Conflict in Syria
Israel and Turkey have established a permanent military deconfliction hotline to prevent clashes between their forces operating in Syria, following more than a month of secret, Azerbaijan-mediated talks in Baku, media sources in both the UK and Israel have reported. Despite recent hostilities between the two countries, both sides are reportedly willing to coordinate tactically to avoid unintended military escalations.
The move comes as Ankara expands its military footprint in northern Syria, alarming Israeli officials who see Turkey’s involvement as a potential threat to their operations and regional interests.
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A source familiar with the talks told the UK-based Middle East Eye site that the hotline was activated in April and is intended to manage any accidental confrontations between the two countries. While Israeli forces operate mainly in Syria’s south and Turkish forces in the country’s north, tensions have risen over Turkish plans to take control of key airbases. These bases, once used in the fight against the Islamic State group, are seen by Israel as strategically sensitive.
Israeli officials have expressed concerns about Turkey’s deployment of air defense systems and radars, which could monitor Israeli aircraft. Though Israel has largely accepted the presence of Turkish ground forces—infantry and tanks—the question of air surveillance remains unresolved.
The cooperation marks a dramatic shift in ties between Israel and Turkey, two countries that have long been at odds. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s staunch support for Hamas led Israel to pull its diplomats from Turkey soon after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and has fueled Israeli distrust.
