The longstanding rivalry between Israel and Turkey over influence in Syria has intensified as Israeli strikes target Syrian positions allegedly scoped by Turkish drones. While Israel maintains its priority is countering Iranian entrenchment, Turkey views these moves as encroachments on its sphere of influence and threats to its operations in northern Syria. Behind the diplomatic language of 'deconfliction lines' and calls for moderation, both countries are maneuvering to assert military and political dominance in the fractured Syrian theater.

Israel continues to target Iran-linked assets and Hezbollah operations in Syria, aiming to prevent the establishment of a permanent Iranian military presence near its borders. Turkey, meanwhile, sees northern Syria as a critical buffer zone against Kurdish militias and seeks to solidify its military foothold. The overlap of these strategic aims, coupled with lack of coordination, has raised the risk of unintended conflict between two regional powers nominally allied with the West.

Despite talk of deconfliction and restraint, further Israeli strikes in Syria and potential Turkish counter-moves may increase. Trump’s offer to mediate may help ease immediate tensions but is unlikely to resolve the deeper strategic clash. Syria is poised to remain a flashpoint in the regional balance, with Kurdish dynamics, Iranian proxies, and U.S. interests all adding further volatility.