Following Ankara’s condemnation of Israeli military actions in Syria and Turkey’s increased involvement in the Syrian conflict, Israel rejected Turkish criticism on Tuesday. The escalating tensions have widened the already strained relationship between the two nations, raising concerns about regional stability and the security of U.S.-backed Kurdish forces combating ISIS.

On Monday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry criticized Israel’s expansion of settlements in the Golan Heights, labeling it an act of border expansion through occupation. Turkey urged Israel to adhere to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which established a ceasefire between Israel and Syria.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the agreement null and void, arguing its irrelevance following the withdrawal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces from their positions during the Syrian civil war. Netanyahu considers the Golan Heights crucial for security against Iran and Hezbollah, which operate within Syria.

On Tuesday, Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded on X, stating: “Turkey has systematically encroached upon Syrian territory… Approximately 15% of Syria’s territory is under Turkish-backed control. In these areas, the Turkish currency is in use, and Turkish bank branches and postal services have been operating.

“Furthermore, the Turkish military bombards infrastructure in the northeastern autonomous region of Syria using aircraft and UAVs. Turkey supports jihadist forces that operate against Kurds in Syria. The last country that can speak about occupation in Syria is Turkey… There is no justification for Turkish aggression and violence against !”

This unusually sharp exchange marks a significant deterioration in bilateral relations, according to Gallia Lindenstrauss, a senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies. “Relations between Israel and Turkey are now at their lowest point in decades,” she told Digital. “In May, Turkey imposed a complete trade ban on Israel, severing all direct links. This is unprecedented for countries that maintain diplomatic relations.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s rhetoric has further exacerbated the strained ties. His support for Hamas, responsible for the October 7th attack on Israel, and his accusations of “genocide” in Gaza have angered Israel. “We must be very strong so that Israel can’t do these ridiculous things to Palestine,” Erdoğan said in July. “Just like we entered Karabakh, just like we entered Libya, we might do similar to them.”

Erdoğan has also called on Islamic nations to unite against Israel, referring to it as “the most concrete threat to regional and global peace.” Lindenstrauss highlighted Turkey’s support for Hamas as a key source of tension. “Turkey backs Hamas and wants to see Hamas remain in charge in Gaza after the war,” she explained.

Israel is increasingly concerned about Turkey’s military buildup in northern Syria. Lindenstrauss noted Ankara’s growing ambitions. “Turkey has been in control of northern areas and supported rebels against Assad,” she said. “The question now is whether Turkey’s influence will spread further south, positioning Ankara as a patron of the emerging regime.”

Lindenstrauss emphasized Turkey’s reliance on Qatar for financial support, citing Erdoğan’s recent meeting with the Qatari emir. “Turkey cannot sustain its influence in Syria alone,” she said. “It needs Gulf state cooperation, particularly from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, to finance the rebuilding of Syria.”

Turkey’s focus remains on Kurdish areas in northern Syria, particularly around Kobani, a symbolically important city for the Kurds. Ankara’s current strategy mirrors its 2019 invasion, which displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.

“The Kurds control prisons that hold thousands of ISIS fighters,” Lindenstrauss said. “These prisons are critical to ., Israel, and the West. Weakening Kurdish control risks regional destabilization and a resurgence of ISIS.”

With Turkey’s expanding presence in Syria, analysts warn of an increased risk of clashes with Israel. Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak of Tel Aviv University’s Moshe Dayan Center compared this to Turkey’s interventions in Libya and Azerbaijan. “If Turkish forces move into proximity with Israeli operations or allies, the risk of unintended confrontations will rise dramatically,” he told TPS-IL news agency.

Despite the harsh rhetoric, experts suggest both countries have an interest in avoiding direct conflict. “Turkey’s main interests are in northern Syria, while Israel’s focus is on the south,” Lindenstrauss said. “Israel and Turkey managed to establish deconfliction channels in Syria to avoid friction. Similar mechanisms will be necessary here, even if they operate quietly.”

Yanarocak cautioned about escalating risks. “The skies are the limit for how far this situation could deteriorate,” he said. “It’s time to pay attention.”