Thu Apr 10 17:26:03 UTC 2025: ## Turkey and Israel Begin Talks to Prevent Military Clashes in Syria
**ANKARA/JERUSALEM** – Amid heightened tensions in Syria, Turkey and Israel have initiated technical talks aimed at establishing a communication channel to prevent accidental military clashes. The talks, confirmed by officials from both countries, follow a period of increased Israeli airstrikes in Syria and Turkey’s support for the Syrian interim government.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that deconfliction mechanisms are crucial to avoid misunderstandings between the two nations’ militaries operating in the region. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office echoed this sentiment, confirming a commitment to continued dialogue for regional stability.
While both countries pursue distinct interests in Syria, the talks, which reportedly took place in Azerbaijan, mark the initial step towards creating a system for communication and coordination. A Turkish official indicated that efforts to establish this mechanism are ongoing, though details remain scarce.
However, significant differences remain. Israel has voiced concerns about Turkey’s growing influence in Syria, particularly regarding potential Turkish military bases near Palmyra, describing such deployments as a “red line.” Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes in Syria since December, a campaign that Syria has condemned. Meanwhile, Turkey is undertaking assessments for establishing a joint Turkish-Syrian training base, an action it claims adheres to international law.
The talks come against a backdrop of severely strained relations following Israel’s recent military offensive in Gaza, which drew strong condemnation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The success of these nascent discussions in de-escalating tensions in Syria remains to be seen.
First Piper 