Israel opposes Turkish military presence near Syrian border, seeks no conflict — official

By Lazar Berman

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4 April 2025, 7:58 pm

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Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the top of the Syrian side of Mount Hermon along with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi (right) and other troops, December 17, 2024. (Maayan Toaf/GPO)

As Israel carries out major airstrikes against a key base in Syria that Turkey is reportedly looking to turn into its own military facility, a senior Israeli official says that “we are not looking for conflict with Turkey. And we hope they’re not looking for a fight with us.”

“At the same time, we don’t want Turkey establishing itself on our borders,” says the official.

“Establishing military bases, naval and air bases under Turkish protection is something we want to prevent,” says the official.

“There are red lines.”