Pragmatic peace: A discreet blueprint for Israel-Türkiye deconfliction in Syria

Despite severely strained relations, Israel and Türkiye must establish a discreet blueprint for deconfliction in Syria to prevent a direct confrontation. The article highlights that while rhetoric between the two nations has escalated, particularly concerning the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye and the Palestinian issue, diplomatic ties have not been severed. The most critical area for potential escalation is Syria, where both countries have core national security interests: northern Syria for Türkiye and southern Syria for Israel. The article suggests that Washington should lead a discreet dialogue to formulate mutual understandings and red lines in Syria, focusing on:

• Support for a unified Syrian government under the current Sharaa administration.
• A shared commitment to limiting external actor involvement in Syria.
• Mutual clarification that neither country seeks hegemony over Syria.
• Recognition of Syria's territorial integrity.
• A mutual understanding of each country's strategic interests in northern (Türkiye) and southern (Israel) Syria.

These principles aim to prevent dangerous miscalculations, even if harsh rhetoric continues, and could take the form of a discreet, informal non-paper.