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Ankara Closely Watching US-Israel Summit

 


Turkey's Syria Role, Demilitarization Demands on Agenda

Turkey is expected to closely monitor the upcoming high-level meeting between the Israeli Prime Minister and the US President, as reports suggest Ankara's military activities in neighboring Syria will be a significant topic of discussion. The talks come amid explicit Israeli demands for an utterly demilitarized zone in southeastern Syria, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile regional situation.

Turkey's Syria Operations Under Scrutiny

According to the Israeli news outlet Maariv, Turkey's ongoing military presence and operations in Syria are anticipated to feature prominently on the agenda during the summit in Washington. Ankara has conducted multiple cross-border operations into Syria over the years, primarily targeting Kurdish YPG militia forces, which it views as an extension of the banned PKK terrorist group. Turkey maintains control over significant swathes of territory in northern Syria through its troops and allied Syrian factions, justifying its presence on national security grounds.

Ankara's Strategic Vigilance

The prospect of its Syrian strategy being scrutinized at the highest levels between two key regional players – the US and Israel – will undoubtedly be cause for vigilance in Ankara. The potential impact of any shift in US posture resulting from these talks on Turkey's strategic calculations and operational freedom in the region cannot be overstated.

Israel's Demand: A Demilitarized Southeastern Syria

Adding further weight to the discussions is Israel's reported push for stringent security arrangements in Syria's south, near its border. As reported by the BBC, Israel is advocating for a wholly demilitarized southeastern Syria. This demand stems from deep-seated Israeli concerns about the entrenchment of Iran and its proxy militias, most notably Hezbollah, in areas close to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israel views the presence of these forces as a direct and unacceptable threat, frequently conducting airstrikes within Syria aimed at disrupting Iranian weapons transfers and military infrastructure.

Navigating Competing Regional Interests

The convergence of these issues underscores the intricate web of competing interests in Syria. Turkey's focus on securing its southern border, Israel's priority of countering Iranian influence, and the United States' delicate balance between its alliances and its own objectives create a complex and delicate situation.

High Stakes for Regional Dynamics

The upcoming meeting between the Israeli and US leaders thus represents a critical juncture. Decisions or understandings reached regarding the future security architecture of Syria, particularly concerning Turkish military actions and the status of the southern region, could reshape dynamics on the ground. Ankara will be watching intently, seeking clues about potential policy shifts that could affect its long-term objectives and presence in the war-torn country. At the same time, Israel hopes for concrete US backing for its security demands against Iranian encroachment. The outcome will reverberate between Washington, Jerusalem, and Ankara and across the complex Syrian landscape.

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