Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter said that Israel had received clear intelligence indicating that Turkey intended to significantly expand its military presence in Syria, The Jerusalem Post reported.
“We are not seeking escalation or war with either Turkey or Syria. But a red line was crossed,” Leiter said.
His comments came following Israel’s strike in Syria and subsequent criticism from both the Syrian and Turkish governments.
“This was supposed to be a blatant Turkish violation of the understandings. Those who needed to be exposed to the intelligence received it. Those who needed to know what was coming knew. We made clear that this was a violation of our understandings – and that is why Israel acted as it did,” Leiter said.
He said the Turkish move contradicted understandings reached during the Biden administration between Israel and the administration of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, which “froze the existing situation” in the country.
“It is clear to us that the Syrians do not want a confrontation with us. That is why we are telling the Turks not to create conflicts. There is more than one indication that the move planned by Turkey was imposed on the Syrians," Leiter said.
He did not rule out a return to direct talks with Syria, as has taken place in the past, but he said the conditions would have to be right. Leiter added that Israel was also not seeking a confrontation with Turkey and remained open to dialogue with Ankara.
