Israeli reports speak of a high level of concern within the military establishment in Tel Aviv regarding Turkish naval movements in the eastern Mediterranean, after monitoring military training and a greater presence of the Turkish Navy in areas where the Israeli Navy operates.
According to the Israeli “i24” channel, citing the “Kan” Broadcasting Corporation, the Israeli military establishment views these movements as an indication of the possibility of a “shift” in Turkish behavior, which prompted the army to raise its level of operational and strategic readiness in anticipation of a possible confrontation scenario with Ankara.
Israeli concern does not come from the sea alone. Tensions between Israel and Turkey have recently escalated against the backdrop of developments in Syria, especially after a raid carried out by the Israeli Air Force about two weeks ago on Al-Duhur Airport, after monitoring Turkish preparations to deploy forces in
Days later, Israeli reports spoke of Israeli security officials informing the United States that Türkiye was preparing to deploy a radar at the same airport, a step that Israel views as potentially affecting the regional balance of power.
According to sources familiar with communications between Israel and Washington, Tel Aviv did not specify an expected date for the arrival of the Turkish systems in Syria, but it pointed to an airport located about 70 kilometers from the Turkish border as a possible location for deployment.
Despite the increased readiness, Israeli security sources confirm that Tel Aviv is not seeking to turn Türkiye into a direct enemy. These sources indicate that secret communication channels still exist between the two sides, with the aim of passing messages, preventing friction, and avoiding escalation.
But the political meaning of the developments is clear: Israel is preparing for new possibilities in its relationship with Ankara, after the tension moved from political discourse to calculations on the ground in Syria and the Mediterranean.
