Brussels, [Date] – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned that repeated Israeli strikes on military facilities in Syria are undermining regional stability and weakening the new government’s ability to counter threats, including those posed by the Islamic State (ISIS).
Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Fidan said Turkey does not seek a confrontation with Israel in Syria but views the ongoing airstrikes as an encroachment on Syrian sovereignty.
Tensions Over Israeli Strikes
“We don’t want to see any confrontation with Israel in Syria because Syria belongs to Syrians,” Fidan stated. He emphasized that only the Syrian people should determine their country’s security.
The strikes have intensified in recent weeks, following the establishment of a new administration in Damascus led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a close ally of Turkey. Israel, however, has maintained that it will not allow hostile forces to gain ground in Syria.
Fidan argued that the Israeli attacks are crippling Syria’s ability to combat terrorism. “Unfortunately, Israel is taking out, one by one, all these capabilities that a new state can use against ISIS and other terrorist attacks and threats,” he said. “What Israel is doing in Syria is not only threatening the security of Syria but also paving the way for future instability in the region.”
Turkey’s Role in Syria and Calls for Lifting Sanctions
Turkey has emerged as a key supporter of Syria’s new government, having previously backed the rebels who now form the bulk of the administration. Ankara has pledged to assist in Syria’s reconstruction, calling for an end to Western sanctions to facilitate rebuilding efforts.
Fidan noted that discussions with the U.S. indicated a potential shift in Washington’s Syria policy under President Donald Trump. “They are reviewing the Syrian file and understand that there is a need to make a change on sanctions policy,” he said, arguing that the new government in Damascus requires a different approach.
Turkey’s Relations with the U.S. and Wider Middle East Policies
While seeking to improve ties with Washington, Turkey has expressed concerns over some of Trump’s Middle East policies, particularly his proposal to take over Gaza and transform it into a tourist hub.
Fidan also addressed the possibility of a U.S.-brokered peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, acknowledging that while such an agreement might be “difficult to digest,” it would be preferable to ongoing conflict.
Regarding rising tensions with Iran, Fidan warned against military escalation. “Diplomacy is needed to resolve the dispute,” he said, stressing that Turkey does not support any military action against its neighbor.
With regional tensions rising, Turkey continues to position itself as a key player in Middle Eastern diplomacy, balancing its alliances while opposing policies it sees as destabilizing.
