Report: Turkish Radar Moves in Syria Could Curb Israel’s Air Operations

JERUSALEM — Turkey has been working in recent weeks to deploy radar systems inside Syria, a move that could significantly constrain Israel’s military operations in the region, according to Western intelligence sources cited by The Jerusalem Post.

Two Western intelligence officials told the newspaper that Ankara’s efforts are part of a broader expansion of Turkish involvement in Syria, heightening tensions with Israel over airspace and regional security.

The deployment of Turkish radar systems on Syrian territory could sharply limit Israel’s freedom of action in Syrian airspace, where Israeli aircraft have conducted repeated strikes in recent years. Intelligence officials said the radars would be capable of detecting Israeli air activity over Syria.

Such a move could also complicate Israel’s ability to carry out strikes against targets in Iran, as Israeli aircraft routinely transit Syrian airspace during long-range operations, the sources said.

Israel has previously signaled deep concern over Turkey’s growing military footprint in Syria. Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime last year, Israeli forces carried out strikes on Syrian military installations, including air force bases, amid fears that Turkey might establish permanent bases or deploy drones there.

At the time, an Israeli security official described the prospect of a Turkish military base in Syria as a “potential threat,” saying it would undermine Israel’s operational freedom in the country.

Israeli officials have said they will act to prevent any steps that restrict their ability to operate militarily in Syrian airspace.