The Israeli military is quietly raising its operational readiness for a potential military confrontation with Turkey, ac...

The Israeli military is quietly raising its operational readiness for a potential military confrontation with Turkey, according to Israel's public broadcaster Kan. The Israeli navy has detected a significant increase in Turkish naval activity in the Mediterranean over recent months, including military exercises and an expanded presence in areas where Israeli forces regularly operate. Israeli security officials are describing the Turkish moves as a possible strategic "shift," a word that signals this goes beyond routine naval posturing. The concern is serious enough that Israel has briefed the United States directly, informing American officials that Turkey is preparing to deploy a radar system at al-Duhur Airport in Syria, roughly 70 kilometers from the Turkish border. Israel already hit that airport. About two weeks ago, the Israeli Air Force launched a strike on al-Duhur after spotting Turkish preparations to station forces there. The radar deployment, if it goes forward, is something Israeli officials believe could alter the regional balance of power. Tensions between Israel and Turkey have been building for months, accelerated by the shifting situation inside Syria following the fall of the Assad government. Turkey has expanded its footprint in Syria considerably since then, and Israel is watching that expansion with increasing alarm. Despite all of this, Israeli security sources are careful to say they are not looking to turn Turkey into a direct enemy. Secret communication channels between the two countries reportedly remain open, with both sides using them to send messages and reduce the risk of accidental escalation. One Israeli security official confirmed these back-channel lines exist and are still being used actively. The picture that emerges is an Israeli military preparing for scenarios it hopes never happen, while trying to keep the door open for quiet diplomacy at the same time. #Israel #Turkey #EasternMediterranean