The “technical consultation” aims to set up communications channels to avoid conflicts in the region, Turkish officials say.
Officials from both sides have launched talks aimed at alleviating tensions in Syria, where the troops of both countries are operating, officials from both sides say.
Israel launched hundreds of air attacks in Syria and deployed troops in the UN patrol buffer zone in Golan Heights as opposition fighters took away President Bashar al-Assad in December.
Turkiye is a key supporter of Syria’s interim government, which includes operations against ISIL (ISIS) armed groups.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed on Wednesday that technical consultations with Israel are ongoing, emphasizing the need for a conflict mechanism to prevent misunderstanding between the forces of the two regions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement Thursday that the two “agree to continue dialogue to maintain stability in the region.”
Consultations come as both sides pursue competing interests in Syria. A Turkish source, cited by news agency Reuters, said Wednesday’s talks in Azerbaijan marked the beginning of efforts to establish a communications channel to avoid potential conflicts or misunderstandings regarding military operations in the region.
One Turkish source said “we will continue to establish this mechanism,” without providing details on the scope of consultations or timelines.
Turkish Ministry of Defense officials, cited by the Associated Press, added that an assessment for the establishment of a foundation for joint training in Syria in Turkey and Syria was ongoing, and that such activities were in accordance with international law “without targeting third countries.”
Israel has expressed concern that Syria’s new leadership poses a threat along the border, but Israel has also reportedly wanted to stop Turkey’s influence in Syria. Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Turkish bases in Syria will be “a dangerous for Israel.”
An Israeli political source cited by Reuters said during talks, “Israel made clear that the change in the deployment of foreign troops in Syria, particularly the establishment of Turkish bases in the Palmyra region, is a red line and is considered a destruction of rules.”
Israeli military has carried out more than 500 air attacks on Syrian targets from December 8th to December 31st, with at least 43 attacks this year, according to the Syrian Human Rights Observatory, a British-based war monitor. Syrian Foreign Ministry accused Israel of campaigning against “national stability.”
The ties between Israel and Torkiye have been exacerbated against Israel’s attacks on Gaza. Turkish President Recept Tayyip Erdogan was an outspoken critic of Israel’s war that killed more than 50,000 Palestinians.
