Israel confirms secret communication channel with Turkey after Syria strike

ANKARA, Türkiye — JERUSALEM — An Israeli military source said covert communication channels with Turkey are active following Israel’s strike on the Abu Zuhur air base in northwestern Syria earlier this week. The source told Israel’s Kan public broadcaster that Israel does not regard Turkey as an adversary and is using back channels to pass messages and prevent friction between the two countries. The source warned that Israel could be forced to act again if the channels fail, adding that red lines have been drawn on Turkey’s military presence in Syria, particularly its air defense systems, drones and missiles. Israel bombed the Abu Zuhur base last Tuesday, citing the nearby Turkish military presence along its border as justification for the attack. Ankara denied that any Turkish forces or military delegations were stationed at the base before or during the strike, while Damascus rejected claims that Turkey intends to establish a permanent military footprint in Syrian territory. Israeli security officials told American counterparts that Turkey was preparing to install radar at Abu Zuhur and deploy air defense systems operated by Turkish soldiers, an assessment that Israel said could shift the regional balance of power and prompted the military operation.