The collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime has intensified the rivalry between Turkiye and Israel, thrusting their divergent visions for Syria into sharp relief. Turkiye, a long-time backer of anti-Assad factions, champions a unified Syria under a strong central government, welcoming a recent deal integrating the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the national framework. Israel, however, views Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa—once tied to al-Qaida—with suspicion and fears Turkiye’s growing sway in Damascus. Analysts say Israel prefers a fragmented Syria to counter threats from Iran and its proxies, which thrived under Assad.

Since Assad’s fall, Israel has seized southern Syrian territory, citing security needs, and launched airstrikes on remnants of Assad’s military assets. These moves, condemned by Syria’s new leadership and the UN as violations of a 1974 ceasefire, signal Israel’s intent to maintain a long-term presence. Turkiye, meanwhile, has bolstered its northern Syrian foothold since 2016, targeting Kurdish militias linked to the PKK, and plans a military delegation to Syria next week to enhance security cooperation.

The stakes are high. Israel has warned against Syrian forces south of Damascus and pledged to protect the Druze minority, amid reports of sectarian violence—labeled “ethnic cleansing” by Israel’s deputy foreign minister—allegedly involving Turkiye-backed groups. Turkiye’s President Erdogan has countered, accusing Israel of exploiting instability to divide Syria, a charge reflecting decades of strained ties worsened by Gaza and Turkiye’s support for Hamas.

Experts warn of a proxy war brewing. “Turkiye and Israel are regional competitors actively undermining each other,” said Asli Aydintasbas of the Brookings Institute. With Israel aiding the Druze and Turkiye shaping Syria’s new order, the risk of miscalculation looms large, threatening broader regional stability unless cooler heads—or mediation—prevail.