In a significant diplomatic development, Turkish and Israeli officials held their first technical-level meeting in Azerbaijan this week, aimed at establishing a conflict prevention mechanism to avoid clashes in Syria, according to Türkiye’s Defense Ministry.
The Wednesday meeting signals a rare moment of direct engagement between the two nations, whose relations have been marked by long-standing tension. The dialogue comes as both countries maintain competing military interests in Syria following the collapse of the Assad regime.
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Türkiye used the occasion to call on Israel to end what it described as “provocative attacks” and “an expansionist, occupying stance” that jeopardizes Syria’s territorial integrity. In turn, Israel has criticized Türkiye’s military presence in northern Syria as a security threat, prompting Ankara to warn that ongoing airstrikes could lead to regional instability.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that Türkiye seeks no conflict but will defend its national security if unrest spills over. He accused Israel of acting on speculative threats and stressed the need for diplomatic de-escalation.
The talks occurred against a backdrop of heightened bilateral tension, with Türkiye suspending trade with Israel and supporting a genocide case at the International Court of Justice. While Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu sought backing from President Trump, the former US leader instead praised Erdoğan and offered to mediate the dispute.
