Israel begins lobbying efforts against Turkey: Notable 'white paper' document
According to claims in the foreign press, Israeli officials have become concerned about Turkey's growing influence in Syria. It is alleged that Israel is pressuring the US to limit Turkey's influence. Israel has requested that Russian military bases in Syria remain open to reduce Turkey's impact.
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12punto FOREIGN NEWS
Israeli officials stated in lobbying activities in the US that the new Turkish-backed Syrian government poses a threat to Israel's borders. The lobbying efforts were brought to the agenda during meetings held in Washington in February and in subsequent discussions with US Congressional representatives in Israel.
Israel, which 'fears' Turkey's growing influence in the region, has begun attempts to limit this influence through the US. Israeli representatives, who conveyed to US officials that Turkey is a 'threat' to them, asked members of Congress to take steps against Turkey.
According to a Reuters report, Israel has prepared a 'white paper' on the matter, arguing that Syria should be kept weak and decentralized. This document details the risks that Turkey's influence in Syria poses to Israel's security. The white paper was distributed to high-level US officials.
Aron Lund, who works at the US-based think tank Century International, stated that Israel's biggest fear is that Turkey will maintain the new order in Syria. Lund said, ''Syria is not even on Trump's radar right now. It is a low priority and there is a policy vacuum that needs to be filled.''
The Israeli army has advanced to within 20 km south of Damascus. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded that the south of Damascus be a demilitarized zone. The new Syrian government has not yet responded to the Tel Aviv administration.
ISRAEL IS LOOKING FOR TURKISH-SPEAKING PERSONNEL
The Israeli press recently announced that the internal security agency Shin Bet is looking for personnel who speak Turkish. The news report on the Jfeed news site stated, “Until a few months ago, Turkey was not seen as a major threat to Israel due to the geographical distance between the two countries. However, Syria falling into the hands of Turkish-backed forces has changed this equation.”
According to a report in the Haaretz newspaper, Israel is concerned that Turkey's growing influence in Syria could turn the country into a safe haven for Hamas and other militant groups. This situation has caused Israel to reconsider its security strategies in the region.
Israel's lobbying efforts in the US play a critical role in the process of the new administration in Syria achieving stability and Washington lifting its sanctions. Israeli officials are making an intense effort to influence US policy on Syria.
Sources speaking to Reuters stated that these efforts by Israel have a high chance of being effective in the US. However, the fact that Syria is not among the US's priority agenda items has created uncertainty regarding the extent to which Israel's concerns will be addressed.