Napoli Operation: The Turkish–Israeli Deal to Oust Assad… Has It Ended?
Napoli Operation: Turkish–Israeli Cooperation in the Syrian File Reveals Deal Details
Turkish journalist Yılmaz Özdil revealed what he described as the “Napoli Operation,” a long-planned international framework related to Syria in which Israel plays a central role. Speaking on the program “Red and White” on the opposition Sözcü TV channel, Özdil argued that developments in Syria were not coincidental, but rather represent a new phase of a NATO-linked process that had been prepared over an extended period. He said the operation has moved from a phase of direct combat to one of construction and consolidation.
The Secret Deal
Özdil said there was a secret deal between Israel and Turkey that led to the ouster of the Assad regime, encompassing political, military, and commercial dimensions. He noted that discussions aim to expand cooperation between Ankara and Tel Aviv within the Syrian file, under continuous U.S. oversight, with Turkey positioned as a primary beneficiary of the arrangement.
Syria as a Long-Term Threat
The journalist stressed that Ankara views Syria as a long-term security challenge requiring sustained focus for decades. He said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been closely monitoring the file in coordination with National Intelligence Organization (MIT) chief Hakan Fidan, while taking into account internal dynamics within the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in Syria. Özdil added that Erdoğan worked to confer international legitimacy on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Washington, including at the White House and the Pentagon.
Suriye ve Şara’nın Kaderinde ‘Napoli Harekatı’ Detayı! Yılmaz Özdil NATO’nun O Planını Anlattı @ipekkozbey @Yilmaz_Ozdill https://t.co/XGe6585ofF pic.twitter.com/qJmuyxdhXK
— SÖZCÜ Televizyonu (@szctelevizyonu) January 20, 2026
Reconstruction as a Mega Project
Özdil stated that Syria has effectively become a large-scale economic project, with reconstruction plans estimated at nearly $1 trillion. These include airports, ports, oil pipelines, and major infrastructure investments, reflecting what he described as a new strategic phase within the “Napoli Operation.”
He likened Syria to a shopping mall divided into multiple stores, saying: “That is how the picture looks when you watch the game from the VIP box.”
On a Turkish–Israeli Confrontation
Özdil dismissed the possibility of a military clash between Turkey and Israel, describing reports of tensions between Erdoğan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “smokescreen.” He said claims about a potential confrontation in Syria were unfounded, adding that the likelihood of a conflict is effectively nonexistent.
He also said Israeli commercial and investment activity through Turkey continues in a normal and robust manner.
Related Topics:
Turkey in Syria | Fidan: “Our work has only just begun”
