Turkey's Growing Influence in Syria: Erdogan's Threat to Israel

Israel's next concern: This is the country that supports the rebels

The rebels in Syria, who have completely taken over the country, are supported by Turkey, which effectively places Erdogan at the border with Israel. Less than six months ago, the Turkish president stated that he would "invade Israel." At that time, he wasn't taken seriously, but today the threat is becoming serious.

Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | JFeed | 10:31 08.12.24 | 1 min read

Syrian rebels (Photo: Shutterstock)

The fall of the Assad regime is terrible news for the Iranian axis, which is collapsing after the significant weakening of Hezbollah, the lack of support from Russia due to its involvement in the war with Ukraine, and now the loss of the crucial Syrian link.

But Israel may have a new concern. Turkey's President Erdogan said less than six months ago, in July 2024, "Just as we entered Karabakh and Libya – we will do the same to Israel."

The then Foreign Minister Israel Katz dismissed it and said, "Erdogan will end up like Saddam Hussein." But starting today, as reported by the journalist Doron Kadosh, Erdogan effectively controls a border with Israel.

Some of the Syrian rebels are significantly supported by Turkey and operate under its guidance. The most important lesson from October 7: take our enemies seriously, even when they sound like they are dreaming absurd dreams.

This morning, the Prime Minister of Syria, Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, was seen leaving his home to meet with representatives of the rebels and hand over power to them.