Against the backdrop of the Air Force's offensive operations in Syrian territory, which led to friction with Turkey: A source in the defense establishment outlines Israel's policy - and clarifies: "Israel has no desire to turn Turkey into an enemy. Secret channels exist between the countries to convey messages and prevent friction.".
In a conversation with Carmela Menashe on Channel 2, the source clarified the boundaries of the zone and the red lines set by Israel, noting that "when the messages are not helpful, Israel is forced to act.".
Israeli policy focuses on thwarting the establishment of Turkish forces in Syria, and in particular preventing the deployment of air defense systems, advanced missiles, and drones - measures that could harm the IDF's freedom of air action in the region.
As part of implementing this policy, the IDF attacked infrastructure and runways at the a-Duhur airport located in northern Syria. The preventive action was carried out even before the intended equipment reached its destination.
According to the source, the move was intended to convey an unequivocal statement to the government in Damascus, stating that Israel does not oppose the process of building the Syrian army, but will not agree to the creation of a new security threat on its borders.
On the other hand, the political and military establishment in Turkey is trying to downplay the flames and is denying at all costs that they were at the base that was attacked.
An official statement issued by Ankara stated: "No Turkish military delegation was at the Syrian air force base before or during the Israeli attacks.".
Opposition leader Yair Lapid responded on the Israeli television network B to the IDF attack on Syria, saying that it "was justified." He added: "Turkey is a very problematic country, but not an enemy country. We need to reach understandings with al-Sharia. Our interest is that Syria be stable.".
