Israeli FM Sa'ar: No Interest in Escalation With Turkey, But Won't Accept Turkish Bases in Syria

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar says Israel has "no interest in escalation with Turkey" and prefers diplomatic solutions, but draws a red line: Israel "will not accept the establishment of Turkish bases" in Syria, comparing the risk to Iran's earlier infiltration of Lebanon and Gaza. The statement follows Israel's Aug 19 strike on Abu al-Duhur air base and underscores how Turkey's expanding regional posture — newly bolstered by its Mecca pact membership — is generating friction with Israel short of open confrontation.