The escalating tensions between Israel and Turkey over Syria demand attention.

On Tuesday, Israel rejected Turkish accusations regarding its military actions in Syria, following Ankara's condemnation of Israeli military actions. As Turkey escalates its own operations in the war-torn country, the rising tensions have deepened the rift between the two nations and sparked concerns over regional stability and the fate of U.S.-backed Kurdish forces fighting ISIS.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned Israel's expansion of settlements in the Golan Heights as a violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, calling it an "occupation-driven expansion." Turkey urged Israel to adhere to the agreement and cease its actions in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the agreement void, stating that it no longer applied after forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad abandoned their positions on the Syrian side during the country’s civil war. Netanyahu has described the Golan Heights as a vital security buffer and integral to Israel’s defense strategy against Iran and Hezbollah, which operate in Syria.

On Tuesday, Israel's Foreign Ministry responded to X by stating that Turkey has systematically invaded Syrian territory, with approximately 15% of Syria under Turkish control. In these areas, the Turkish currency is used, and Turkish bank branches and postal services are operational.

"In addition to bombarding infrastructure in northeastern Syria with aircraft and UAVs, Turkey supports jihadist forces that target Kurds in the region. The country that has the most to say about occupation in Syria is Turkey, but there is no justification for its aggression and violence against Kurds in the country."

According to Gallia Lindenstrauss, a senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies, relations between Israel and Turkey have reached a new low in bilateral relations. She stated this in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital. In May, Turkey imposed a complete trade ban on Israel, cutting off all direct links. This is a first for countries that maintain diplomatic relations.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's rhetoric has deteriorated relations with Israel. His backing of Hamas, which perpetrated the October 7 attack on Israel, and his accusations of "genocide" in Gaza have provoked Israeli anger. "We must be very strong so that Israel cannot carry out these absurd actions against Palestine," Erdoğan stated in July. "Just as we entered Karabakh and Libya, we may do the same to them."

Erdoğan has encouraged Islamic countries to stand against Israel, labeling it as the primary threat to both regional and global peace. Lindenstrauss highlighted Turkey's support for Hamas as a significant source of conflict, stating that Turkey supports Hamas and intends for them to maintain control in Gaza after the war.

Ankara's military buildup in northern Syria is causing Israel growing concern, as its ambitions are expanding. According to Lindenstrauss, Turkey has been controlling northern areas and supporting rebels against Assad. Now, the question is whether Turkey's influence will extend further south, making Ankara a patron of the emerging regime.

According to Lindenstrauss, Turkey's financial backing in Syria comes from Qatar, as evidenced by Erdoğan's recent meeting with the Qatari emir. She stated that Turkey cannot maintain its influence in Syria without the cooperation of Gulf states, specifically Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, to finance the reconstruction of Syria.

Ankara continues to focus on removing Kurdish control in northern Syria, particularly around Kobani, a significant city for the Kurds. This strategy echoes their 2019 invasion, which led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians.

""ISIS fighters are held in prisons controlled by the Kurds, which are vital to the U.S., Israel, and the West. Any weakening of Kurdish control could lead to regional instability and a revival of ISIS," Lindenstrauss stated."

As Turkey's involvement in Syria intensifies, there is a risk of unavoidable clashes with Israel, according to analysts. Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak of Tel Aviv University's Moshe Dayan Center compared Turkey's actions in Libya and Azerbaijan, warning that if Turkish forces come close to Israeli operations or allies, the risk of unintended confrontations will increase significantly.

Although their rhetoric is sharp, experts believe that both Turkey and Israel have a common goal of avoiding direct conflict. According to Lindenstrauss, Turkey's primary interests lie in northern Syria, while Israel's focus is on the south. Despite their differences, both countries have established deconfliction channels with Russia in Syria to prevent friction. Similarly, mechanisms will be necessary here, even if they operate quietly.

The skies are the limit for how far this situation could deteriorate," he said. "It’s time to pay attention.