Israeli media have begun criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for escalating tensions with Turkey, warning that a worsening dispute over Syria could open a new war front for Israel.
Israeli newspaper Haaretz criticized Netanyahu, saying his policies risk drawing Israel into another “unnecessary conflict.” Tensions with Turkey have risen further since an Israeli strike on the Abu al-Duhur military base in northern Syria on August 18.
According to Haaretz, military strikes cannot be Israel’s only means of ensuring its security. A potential conflict with Turkey could come at a heavy cost, the paper warned, adding that it is worth bearing in mind that Turkey is a NATO member with close ties to the United States.
Israeli outlet Ynet has also criticized the Netanyahu government, saying tensions with Turkey could open a new, or “eighth,” front in Israel’s ongoing regional conflicts. The outlet warned that open threats and political rhetoric, rather than diplomacy, are making the situation more dangerous.
Israeli newspaper Maariv has also reported concern among senior Israeli officials over the prospect of a new war front opening up.
Turkey and Israel face off over Syria
Tensions between Turkey and Israel have escalated rapidly since the Israeli strike on the Abu al-Duhur military base in Syria. Israel claims it carried out the strike out of concern over an expanding Turkish military presence in Syria. Turkey and the United States, however, have criticized Israel’s claims.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani said Damascus has suspended contact with Israel following the strike. He also praised Turkey’s assistance in rebuilding Syria’s military capacity, saying Syria would continue its defense cooperation with Turkey.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, meanwhile, said there is no reason for direct conflict between Turkey and Israel. He said Netanyahu is presenting Turkey as a new political adversary because of Israel’s domestic political situation.
Tensions between Turkey and Israel have already spread beyond the diplomatic level into legal and military matters. Turkey has moved to apply to Interpol for an international arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, further souring relations between the two countries.
The recent criticism from Israeli media has therefore raised a pointed question: should Israel, already embroiled in Gaza and other regional conflicts, risk a fresh direct confrontation with Turkey?
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