Israel and Turkey fail to reach agreement on Syria

Representatives of Israel and Turkey failed to agree on averting tensions in Syria during the talks held this week in Azerbaijan. The next meeting between the delegations of the two countries may take place after the Jewish holiday of Passover which will be celebrated all next week, Israeli state broadcaster Kan reported on Thursday.

The talks came amid emerging tensions between the countries over issues related to the Turkish military presence in Syria.

Israeli authorities are currently accusing Turkey of trying to strengthen its military presence in neighbouring Syria and intending to establish military bases there, claiming that such scenarios are unacceptable. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier this week that he would turn to the US if mediation efforts were needed to resolve a potential conflict with Turkey in Syria. Israeli authorities have also repeatedly said they will not allow any armed groups in southern Syria. The Israeli Air Force has also repeatedly attacked military infrastructure in Syria in recent months.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, for his part, said earlier in April that Ankara was not prepared for a conflict with Israel or any country in Syria.