Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Turkey-Israel Rivalry Deepens Over Syria and Regional Influence
Turkey and Israel are arguing more and more about power and security in the Middle East.
Their biggest disagreement right now involves Syria, which lies between them.
Turkey supports Syria’s new government, while Israel worries about security threats from the country.
Israel recently attacked an old air base in Syria because it feared Turkey might use it.
Turkey and Syria said there were no plans for Turkish troops to go there.
The two countries also disagree strongly over Israel’s war in Gaza.
They compete in other places, including the Horn of Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Their leaders use very harsh words against each other, which can make tensions worse.
Analysts say the United States may help stop the disagreement from becoming a direct war.
Turkey and Israel have exchanged increasingly hostile accusations over Gaza, Syria and their wider regional ambitions.
An Israeli strike on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur air base was reportedly intended to prevent a possible Turkish deployment, though Turkey and Syria denied plans for one.
Ankara supports Syria’s post-Assad government, while Israel has destroyed Syrian military equipment and retained territory in the south.
The rivalry also spans Gaza, the Horn of Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, including Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
Analysts do not expect an immediate direct war, but warn that competing interests and political rhetoric could increase escalation risks.
- Who
- The governments of Turkey and Israel, led by Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Benjamin Netanyahu, are at the center of the dispute; the United States is attempting to help restore communication.
- What
- A worsening strategic rivalry involving hostile rhetoric, Syria, Gaza, regional alliances and competing military influence.
- When
- Tensions have intensified in recent years, particularly since the Gaza war began on October 7, 2023; the Syrian air-base strike and subsequent threats occurred in August.
- Where
- The main flashpoint is Syria, with additional disputes involving Gaza, the Horn of Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
- Why
- Turkey and Israel have conflicting security strategies and regional ambitions, including opposing views on Syria’s new government, Gaza, Iran and regional alliances.
Turkey’s Position
Israel’s Position
Syria’s future
Turkey’s Position
Turkey supports Syria’s new government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, and has provided diplomatic and military backing.
Israel’s Position
Israel is cautious toward the new Syrian leadership, destroyed Syrian military equipment after Bashar al-Assad’s removal and retains territory in southern Syria to prevent militant threats.
Gaza and political legitimacy
Turkey’s Position
Turkey strongly condemns Israel’s military response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack, accuses Israel of genocide and has expressed support for Hamas.
Israel’s Position
Israel views Turkey as increasingly hostile and accuses it of backing terrorism; Israel classifies Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Regional alliances and influence
Turkey’s Position
Turkey has strengthened partnerships including relations with Somalia and a mutual defense agreement involving Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, while rejecting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
Israel’s Position
Israel has strengthened military and energy cooperation with Greece and Cyprus and recognized Somaliland, moves that conflict with Turkish regional interests.
- Main flashpoint
- Syria, particularly the Abu al-Duhur air base in northern Syria.
- Israeli strike
- Israel struck the defunct air base to prevent a possible Turkish deployment, according to Israeli officials; no deaths were reported.
- Deployment dispute
- Turkey and Syria denied that a Turkish troop deployment to the facility was planned.
- Gaza war
- Turkey has condemned Israel’s military campaign and accused Israeli forces of genocide, while expressing support for Hamas.
- Somaliland
- Erdogan called Israel’s recognition of Somaliland illegal and unacceptable.
- US role
- US officials have criticized escalation and attempted to restore communication between Ankara and Jerusalem.
- Immediate war risk
- Analysts do not expect Turkey and Israel to enter a direct military conflict in the immediate future.