Turkish and US officials issued sharply contrasting but coordinated responses to the ongoing unrest in Syria’s Suwayda province and the Israeli military’s recent airstrikes, both reiterating support for Syrian sovereignty while cautioning against further escalation.
Turkish President Recep Erdogan declared July 17 that Turkey “will not allow Syria to be divided or its multicultural fabric undermined.” Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdogan emphasized Ankara’s readiness to support the administration of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who he praised for navigating the crisis with composure.
“I assured President Sharaa that Turkey is prepared to provide all possible support,” Erdogan said, following a phone call between the two leaders. “Israel’s actions show it does not want peace,” he added, accusing the Israeli government of provoking instability.
Strong Turkish Rebuke of Israeli Airstrikes
The Turkish response went beyond diplomatic reassurances. Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş called the Israeli airstrikes on southern Syria and Damascus “vicious” and in violation of all international norms. “Netanyahu and his team act without regard for law or conscience,” he said in a press briefing with Albanian officials.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense also weighed in, calling the attacks a “clear provocation” that threatens to push the region into chaos. Defense Ministry spokesman Zeki Aktürk warned of “unavoidable consequences” if Israel continues its current course.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan echoed those concerns during a UN Security Council session, accusing Israel of pursuing a “de facto destabilization policy” that has extended from Gaza and the West Bank into Syria. “We cannot tolerate what is happening,” he said, urging international powers, including the US and EU, to intervene diplomatically.
US Response Focuses on Accountability and Stability
While avoiding direct condemnation of Israel, US officials expressed concern over the violence in Suwayda. A US State Department spokesperson told Reuters that Washington “unequivocally condemns the violence” and urged all parties to step back and engage in meaningful dialogue.
The official emphasized that US policy toward Syria has not changed and called on the Syrian government to investigate violations and hold those responsible accountable. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt said, “President Trump continues to support Syria’s path to a peaceful and stable future.”
Regional Stability in the Balance
Israel said the airstrikes were in response to violence against the Druze population in Suwayda, a claim Syrian officials rejected. Syrian opposition figures, including Burhan Ghalioun, accused Israel of deliberately setting a “trap” in Suwayda to advance a long-standing plan to divide Syria.
Meanwhile, the Syrian government announced the province’s full reintegration into the state after reaching an agreement with Druze community leaders. The move, which includes a ceasefire and local oversight mechanisms, has received praise from Ankara and cautious acknowledgment from Washington.
