Israel would benefit from a stable Syria, but not one under Turkish influence, expert tells ‘Post’

Prof. Efraim Inbar tells the Jerusalem Post that Israel seeks a stable, federalized Syria with protected minorities, but not one under Turkish influence. He argues Ankara's growing presence, including forces and agreements with Damascus, poses a significant risk to Israel, citing Erdogan's 'neo-Islamic and neo-Ottoman' motivations. Inbar's comments follow Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's visit to Damascus, where he alleged Israel seeks to weaken Syria.

Prof. Efraim Inbar, president of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, told the Jerusalem Post on Monday that Israel would benefit from a stable Syrian government capable of controlling its borders and potentially becoming a partner for peace. However, he stressed that this stability must not come under Turkish influence. Inbar's comments came a day after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, during a visit to Damascus, alleged that Israel was seeking to weaken Syria. Fidan cited Israel's strike on the disused Abu Duhur airbase last month, which Israeli officials said was to prevent Turkish troops from deploying there. Ankara denied plans to deploy troops. Inbar argued that Ankara's growing influence in Syria, along with the presence of Turkish forces, poses a significant risk to Israel. He pointed to what he described as the 'hate spewed by Erdogan' and Turkish officials' statements about aspirations to govern Jerusalem, characterizing Ankara's approach as 'neo-Islamic and neo-Ottoman.' Inbar acknowledged Israel faces a dilemma with bordering states, noting that a weakened Syria would pose less of a threat but that Israel has limited power to shape neighboring states. He also noted that Ankara and Damascus have reached around 40 agreements, connecting 22 Syrian ministries with Turkish counterparts, and that President Erdogan is expected to visit Syria soon.