The Turkish presidency said Thursday that Turkey 'will not fall into the trap set by Netanyahu' regarding Syria, according to a statement from the presidential office. The remarks come amid escalating rhetoric between Jerusalem and Ankara over Turkish military moves in Syria.
The Turkish presidency on Thursday afternoon issued a statement rejecting what it described as a 'trap set by Netanyahu' regarding Syria, hours after Israeli officials reiterated warnings against Turkish military entrenchment in the country. The statement did not specify which Israeli actions it referred to, but follows weeks of escalating rhetoric between Jerusalem and Ankara.
On Wednesday evening (Aug 19, 20:24 Jerusalem), The Zioneer reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu directly warned Turkish President Erdogan that Israel would not tolerate a Turkish military buildup in Syria. Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had carried out airstrikes, including targeting the Abu al-Duhur airbase, saying 'we made sure they understand it better.' On Thursday morning, Defense Minister Katz posted a warning on X in Turkish, cautioning Erdogan against 'dangerous adventures in Syria.' Retired Major General Uzi Dayan noted that Israel had signaled its red line to Turkey without a formal notification.
The Turkish response marks a rare direct acknowledgment from Ankara that it views Netanyahu's statements as a deliberate provocation. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated sharply, with Erdogan accusing Israel of expansionist ambitions and Netanyahu insisting that a Turkish military presence in southern Syria is a red line for Israel. No further details on potential Turkish countermeasures were provided.
4 developments
- DevelopingErdogan's advisor: Turkey will continue to back Syria's sovereignty after attack
- StrongKatz to Erdogan: 'Don't test Israel's resolve' as he warns against Syria 'adventures'
- DevelopingIsrael Hayom analyst: Turkey advising Syria, Saudi Arabia unlikely to threaten Israel
- DevelopingThe Zioneer analysis: Erdogan 'swallows' Syria while Israel is focused elsewhere
Source and signal
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