Report: Turkish Radars in Syria May Limit Israeli Air Force

SadaNews - A press report indicated that new Turkish movements could restrict the freedom of the Israeli Air Force in Syrian skies, with implications extending to other regional arenas, amid rising tensions between Tel Aviv and Ankara.

i24NEWS reported, citing two sources from Western intelligence agencies, that Turkey has been working in recent weeks to deploy radars within Syrian territory, in a move that would limit Israel's operational freedom in Syrian airspace.

The sources warned that the deployment of these radars could also restrict Israel's ability to use Syrian airspace for operations in other arenas, including Iraq and Iran.

The report pointed out that the deployment of Turkish radars would allow monitoring of Israeli aircraft activity in Syrian airspace, even while crossing en route to other destinations, which could practically constrain the operational freedom of the Israeli Air Force.

About a year ago, shortly after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, Israel launched a series of attacks targeting Syrian military sites, including air force bases, amid concerns over Turkey establishing permanent bases within the country.

The report quoted a security source at that time as stating that the possibility of establishing a Turkish military base in Syria represents a "potential threat", adding: "If a Turkish air base is established, it would impact Israel's operational freedom in Syria. We targeted the bases to send a message that we will not allow any infringement on our air operation freedom."

This comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Turkey; last Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on Israel, from Damascus, to "abandon expansionist policies" and adopt an "approach based on mutual consent and understanding".

Fidan stated during a press conference with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani: "Stability in Syria means stability in Turkey," emphasizing the importance of making progress in ongoing talks between Syria and Israel for the "stability of the region and Syria itself".