Israel, Turkey agree on Syria deconfliction mechanism after Baku talks

Israel and Turkey have agreed to establish a direct communication channel aimed at preventing potential military incidents in Syria, Middle East Eye reported. The mechanism was developed during meetings between officials of both countries held in April in Azerbaijan.

According to the report, a 24/7 hotline was launched the same month to allow immediate response to conflict situations in Syria.

The sides reached a basic agreement on a set of principles to prevent clashes between the Israeli military and Turkish forces operating in northern Syria. Israel continues to insist that the southern part of Syria should remain demilitarized.

The report says Israel does not oppose the deployment of Turkish tank and infantry units in Syria but demands that Turkey refrain from installing air defense systems and radars capable of tracking Israeli aircraft.

Special focus in the negotiations has been placed on the area near Palmyra, where the T4 airbase is located. The base had been used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah as part of a logistical corridor. Israel has carried out multiple airstrikes on the site, considering it a strategic threat.

Four rounds of talks have taken place since April, with a fifth session scheduled for late May. Israel Hayom reported that Israel and Turkey reached a preliminary agreement on coordinating military activity in Syria during the Baku meetings.

N.Tebrizli