Israel needs to draw redlines on Turkey in Syria

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Israel has conducted military operations against Turkish positions and Iranian-linked targets in Syria amid heightened tensions following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Institute for National Security Studies urges Israel to pursue diplomatic talks with Syria to establish clear security arrangements and reduce direct military confrontations, aiming to maintain long-term regional stability.

Israel is facing calls to establish clearer boundaries regarding Turkey’s military activities in Syria, according to a recent analysis by the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS). The think tank contends that Israel’s current aggressive posture toward Turkey’s presence and operations in Syria may not be sustainable in the long term and recommends more structured engagement.

Tensions escalated notably on August 17 when Israel targeted a developing Turkish military position at the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Syria. This strike sparked a significant diplomatic dispute, with Israel on one side and the United States, Turkey, and Syria on the opposing side. More recently, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted an operation near the Lebanese-Syrian border against a vehicle carrying Yusuf Ali al-Hassoun, an individual reportedly linked to Iranian terrorist networks.

Since early 2025, INSS has repeatedly cautioned that maintaining an indefinite military presence in Syria is not a viable solution for Israel’s security concerns. The institute advocates for initiating dialogue with the Syrian government to negotiate long-term security arrangements that would safeguard Israel’s interests while reducing direct military engagement. This approach, INSS argues, is critical to preserving the strategic advantages Israel has gained since the political upheaval following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

Following Assad’s ousting, Israel’s military campaign effectively neutralized much of the former Syrian regime’s maritime, land, and aerial military capabilities, which were considered significant threats. Additionally, the IDF has established a buffer zone in southern Syria with the aim of preventing potential terrorist or jihadist incursions into Israeli territory.

The evolving security landscape in Syria, marked by Turkish military activity and Iranian proxies, complicates Israel’s operational calculus. The INSS recommendation for diplomatic engagement reflects a broader recognition that military force alone may not ensure Israel’s long-term security objectives in the region. However, the dynamics between Israel, Turkey, and Syria remain fraught, and the potential for further conflict persists in the absence of formal agreements or established redlines.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.