play_arrow

keyboard_arrow_right

Listeners:

Top listeners:

skip_previous skip_next
00:00 00:00
playlist_play chevron_left
volume_up
  • cover play_arrow

Israel, Turkey Talks On Avoiding Military Clash Over Syria

Background

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Encouraged by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, Israel and Turkey have been holding direct talks on Syria to avoid the risk of a military confrontation, say sources familiar with the discussions.

The talks come after Israel attacked military sites in Syria last week, including air bases at Aleppo and the T4 base, while Ankara wanted to send a technical team to inspect the facilities to present a review before they would be rebuilt.

Ahead of the talks, Turkey already said last week it wants no confrontation with Israel in Syria. However, Ankara suggested that Israeli strikes on military facilities are undermining Syria’s new leadership to deter threats from enemies, including the Islamic State group.

In an interview on the sidelines of a NATO military alliance foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Israel’s actions were fuelling regional instability by targeting Syria, where the government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa is a close ally of Turkey.

“We don’t want to see any confrontation with Israel in Syria because Syria belongs to Syrians,” Fidan told Reuters news agency on Friday.

Turkey, which shares a 911-kilometer (566-mile) border with Syria, has emerged as one of the most influential power brokers in Syria and allies of its new Islamist government.

SUPPORTING REBELS

Trump noted this week that Ankara had for years backed the rebels who now make up the bulk of the new government as they fought to topple former President Bashar al-Assad.

He also said he could mediate between Israel and Turkey, who appear poised to clash over influence in Syria.

Trump stressed that he has a great relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom he likes very much and calls “very smart.”

Trump recalled that he congratulated Erdogan on doing “what nobody has done in 2,000 years, taking over Syria,” referring to the successful overthrow of the Assad regime by Islamic rebels, whom Trump called a Turkish proxy.

Trump told Netanyahu, who has a bitter relationship with Erdogan, that he could mediate between them.

“Any problem that you have with Turkey, I think we can solve as long as you are reasonable; you have to be reasonable,” he told Netanyahu with a smile.

Israel has carried out a campaign to destroy Syrian military capabilities that it said potentially threatened Israel.

The Israeli government also fears that if Turkey establishes a military presence in Syria, it could hamper the Israeli Air Force’s freedom of action in the region.

Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.


Latest News from Worthy News

Republicans Defend, Democrats Vilify GOP Voter ID Bill
Republicans Defend, Democrats Vilify GOP Voter ID Bill
Thursday, March 19, 2026

As a marathon debate over the SAVE America Act continues in the U.S. Senate, Republicans and Democrats are sparring over whether the voter ID bill would strengthen election security or discourage potential voters.

Netanyahu: Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Capabilities ‘Neutralized’ as U.S.-Israel Campaign Intensifies
Netanyahu: Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Capabilities ‘Neutralized’ as U.S.-Israel Campaign Intensifies
Thursday, March 19, 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Thursday that Iran has lost its ability to enrich uranium and manufacture ballistic missiles following nearly three weeks of coordinated U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict.

Israel Strikes Iranian Navy in Caspian Sea, Expands “Operation Roaring Lion”
Israel Strikes Iranian Navy in Caspian Sea, Expands “Operation Roaring Lion”
Thursday, March 19, 2026

Israel dramatically expanded its military campaign against Iran, striking Iranian Navy targets in the Caspian Sea for the first time since the launch of “Operation Roaring Lion,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Thursday.

FBI Revealed Former Counterterrorism Chief Joe Kent Was Under Active Investigation Prior to Resignation
FBI Revealed Former Counterterrorism Chief Joe Kent Was Under Active Investigation Prior to Resignation
Thursday, March 19, 2026

The FBI has been investigating former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent for several months over allegations that he improperly shared classified information, according to multiple reports.

U.S. Launches Largest Strike Yet on Iran as Conflict Intensifies
U.S. Launches Largest Strike Yet on Iran as Conflict Intensifies
Thursday, March 19, 2026

The United States carried out its most extensive wave of strikes against Iran to date on Thursday, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Saudi Arabia Signals Possible Military Response After Iranian Strike on Oil Facility
Saudi Arabia Signals Possible Military Response After Iranian Strike on Oil Facility
Thursday, March 19, 2026

Saudi Arabia warned Thursday that it may take military action following an Iranian drone strike on a key oil installation, escalating tensions across the Middle East and raising concerns over regional stability and global energy supplies.

Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas Ten Commandments Law, State Vows Appeal
Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas Ten Commandments Law, State Vows Appeal
Thursday, March 19, 2026

A federal judge has struck down an Arkansas law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, igniting a renewed national debate over faith, history, and the First Amendment.

WHO WE ARE

The Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs encapsulate the beauty, wisdom, and eternal truths found in the Bible, creating an immersive experience that resonates with believers and seekers alike.

CONTACT