Turkey’s FM says Israeli strikes on Syria are indirectly benefiting ISIS

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday said Israeli military operations in Syria of weakening the country’s capabilities and indirectly benefiting ISIS, as he held talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Damascus.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Fidan argued that Israeli strikes were undermining efforts to stabilize Syria and strengthen its institutions.

“Israel constantly targets Syria’s capabilities, thereby indirectly supporting ISIS,” Fidan said. “Israeli attacks undermine policies aimed at stability and positive developments in Syria.”

Fidan also strongly criticized Israel’s broader regional policies, accusing it of pursuing territorial expansion at the expense of neighbouring countries and calling for greater international pressure on the Israeli government.

READ: UK sanctions on Israeli settlements to cover East Jerusalem, Syria’s Golan Heights: Report

The Turkish minister did not present evidence that Israel directly supports ISIS. His remarks appeared to argue that Israeli attacks weaken Syrian state capabilities in ways that could benefit the militant group.

Fidan also announced that Turkish and Syrian officials had discussed a prospective visit to Damascus by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, although he did not provide a date.

Turning to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Fidan said the group’s dissolution and full integration into Syrian state institutions would represent an important step. He argued that all armed forces operating in Syria should ultimately come under state authority.

Fidan reiterated Ankara’s support for the Syrian government and said cooperation between Turkey and Syria on counterterrorism had progressed over the past two years.

He also announced an agreement to establish a joint Turkish-Syrian ministerial committee aimed at accelerating cooperation across multiple sectors.

READ: Arab states condemn Netanyahu’s incursion into Mount Hermon in Syria