Israel's Airstrikes in Syria: A Bold Warning to Turkey Amid Tensions

Israel has sent a loud and clear message to Turkey by launching a wave of airstrikes on Syrian military airfields, targeting key strategic assets like runways, fuel storage sites, radar systems, and weapons caches. According to Israeli officials, this operation was designed to warn Turkey against interfering with Israeli aerial operations in Syrian airspace, as tensions in the region continue to spike.

The strikes hit two significant locations: the Hama military airport and the T-4 airbase. These sites, previously under the control of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime, have reportedly caught Turkey’s eye for expanded use and air defense installations. Weeks of intelligence gathering by the Israeli Air Force preceded the strikes, ensuring precision in targeting military assets.

Turkey’s ambitions in Syria are no longer whispers in the diplomatic corridors. Reports suggest that Ankara is accelerating its negotiations with Syria's interim government for a defense pact, with plans to take control of the T-4 base and install air defense systems. Turkey's Foreign Ministry reacted with outrage, calling Israel's actions "racist and fundamentalist" while accusing Jerusalem of fueling regional instability and adopting expansionist policies.

Dr. Sinan Ciddi, a Turkey expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, painted a stark picture of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s regional ambitions. According to Ciddi, Erdogan sees the weakened state of Iran’s proxies and an overstretched Russia as an opportunity to position Turkey as a neo-Ottoman powerhouse. Through military footholds like the T-4 airbase, Erdogan aims to dominate the region while leveraging this influence to negotiate deals with the U.S., including access to coveted F-35 fighter jets.

Erdogan’s recent inflammatory rhetoric hasn’t gone unnoticed. From Ramadan prayers calling for Israel’s destruction to his son rallying support for similar sentiments, the Turkish leader has alarmed both Israeli and American observers. Former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Eric Edelman emphasized the need for "quiet discussions" to address Turkey's escalating hostility and prevent further conflict over Syrian airspace.

Inside Israel, officials are closely monitoring Turkey’s growing influence in Syria. Avner Golov, vice president of Mind Israel, warned that Erdogan’s ambitions pose a deep ideological threat. Unlike Iran, which uses proxies, Erdogan intervenes directly, including through political activism among Palestinian citizens in Israel. Golov stressed the importance of escalating rules of engagement to prevent Turkey from creating a long-range air defense umbrella on Israel’s borders.

Meanwhile, Erdogan faces challenges at home. The jailing of Istanbul’s mayor — a prominent opposition candidate — has sparked massive public protests, reminiscent of the 2013 Gezi protests. Experts suggest this move reflects desperation rather than strength, as Erdogan clings to power at the expense of international criticism and economic stability.

Erdogan’s endgame seems clear: to reshape the Middle East under his vision, projecting Turkey as a patron state with unmatched military and ideological influence. However, Israel’s recent airstrikes signal that Jerusalem won't allow Ankara to achieve these ambitions without resistance.