This is an entry from: Live: Syria condemns Israeli attack on 'civilian vehicle', warns of rising regional tensions

Israel has no intention of escalating tensions with Turkey, foreign minister says

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Saturday that Israel does not seek escalation with Turkey, but "will not accept" Turkish presence in Syria.

"We are committed to preserving the status quo ... We will not accept the establishment of Turkish bases in Syria," Saar told Israeli news outlet Channel 12 in an interview.

He said Israel has observed how Iran "infiltrated" Lebanon and Gaza, adding: "We don't want that same situation with Turkey and Syria."

Saar's remarks followed recent Israeli strikes on Syria's Abu al-Duhur airbase, which Israel says were carried out based on intelligence suggesting Turkey was planning to deploy troops there.

Both Syria and Turkey have rejected claims that there were such plans to establish a permanent Turkish military presence in Syria.