Israel and Turkey have covert backchannel to avoid Syria friction, source says

Israel and Turkey have established quiet backchannel contacts aimed at avoiding friction over Syria, the Kan public broadcaster reports, citing an unnamed defense official.

“Israel has no desire to turn Turkey into an enemy,” the source is quoted saying. “[But] when the messages don’t help, Israel is forced to act.”

The comments come after reports in Israel that Jerusalem had attempted to warn Ankara before striking a base in Syria last week due to the alleged deployment of Turkish troops to the base.

According to the report, Israel sees Turkish entrenchment in Syria, particularly the introduction of air defenses, drones and missiles that could challenge its air superiority, as a red line.

The comments echo Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who said Saturday night that Israel has “no interest in escalation with Turkey,” seeking to dial back tensions that ratcheted up after the Israeli strike on the al-Duhur base.

“We are committed to preserving the status quo,” Sa’ar said, adding “We will not accept the establishment of Turkish bases in Syria.”

Israel and Turkey still maintain diplomatic relations, though high-level contacts have been frozen since late 2023.