By Prof. Dr. Enes Bayraklı
Israel’s recent increase in airstrikes in Syria may seem like a powerful military maneuver at first glance, but in reality, it is an expression of strategic desperation.
Although Israel has faced many actors in the Middle East in the past and often emerged militarily successful, it is now in shock as it confronts—for the first time—a powerful regional actor with high state capacity like Turkey.
Throughout its history, Israel has entered into conflicts with many regional countries from Egypt to Lebanon, from Iran to Syria.
However, most of these actors, due to weak state structures, internal political crises, or limited military capacities, were far from being a real threat to Israel.
In none of these conflicts did Israel seek mediation from the United States. On the contrary, it acted on its own initiative.
But now, for the first time, Israel is facing a state like Turkey, and we are seeing an Israel that wants Washington to step in.
What is striking is that Donald Trump is not giving Israel the expected support. The Trump administration aims to establish a Middle East order where Iran’s influence is reduced and the U.S. can maintain balance without direct intervention in the region.
However, Israel lacks the necessary regional legitimacy to help build such an order. This is because Israel acts more as a disruptor than a builder of regional order.
Therefore, the attacks Israel is conducting in Syria are a sign of strategic blockage. In the Syrian equation, where Turkey is becoming increasingly active, Israel’s room for maneuver is steadily shrinking.
Under these circumstances, it is likely that Israel may agree to a deal that includes demilitarizing the south of Damascus and withdrawing from some previously occupied areas.
This withdrawal should be interpreted as both a result of Turkey’s growing influence and Israel’s increasing regional isolation.
In conclusion, Israel’s aggressive stance in Syria is not a show of strength but rather an indication of its diplomatic and strategic loneliness, and of how increasingly constrained it has become in the regional equation.
If a new order is to be established in the Middle East, its architect will not be Israel—but rather inclusive, stable, and legitimate actors. In this context, Turkey will inevitably be at the center of this new order.
Source: Dirilispostasi.com
