Turkish journalist reveals secret Israeli–Turkish deal that toppled Assad regime

ANKARA, Jan. 25 (YPA) -Amid the ongoing conflict in Syria, Turkish opposition journalist Yılmaz Özdil has revealed details of what he describes as a secret regional deal dubbed “Operation Napoli,” involving “Israel” and Turkey in efforts to undermine the then-government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Speaking on “SÖZCÜ Televizyon” TV channel, Özdil said recent developments in Syria were not accidental but part of a broader, phased international plan.

He asserted that the alleged cooperation extended beyond military coordination to include political and economic dimensions, and claimed it was supported by NATO.

Özdil argued that the operation has moved from a phase of direct confrontation to one focused on consolidation and reconstruction, with Turkey emerging as the main beneficiary. He said Ankara is now prioritising long-term strategic interests related to Syria, which he described as a continuing security concern.

According to Özdil, while public attention has been focused on domestic political developments, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been working with intelligence agencies to secure Turkey’s position in Syria and to facilitate international acceptance of the Syrian leadership, including in Washington.

Özdil also claimed that Syria has become the focus of large-scale economic plans, citing proposed reconstruction projects valued at nearly $1 trillion, including infrastructure, energy, and transport developments.

He warned that reported tensions between Turkey and Israel are misleading, asserting that economic and military cooperation between the two countries remains intact.

@E.Y.M