Israel admits backing YPG to look out for its own interests in region

Israel has been assisting the YPG -- viewed by Turkey as Syrian extension of bloody-minded PKK terror group --, seeing them as a counterweight to Iranian influence and advocating for them in talks with the United States, the deputy Israeli foreign minister said on Wednesday.

Tzipi Hotovely, Israel's deputy foreign minister, told parliament on Wednesday that the offer had been taken up. "Israel has received many requests for assistance, mainly in the diplomatic and humanitarian realm," she said. "We identify with the deep distress of the YPG, and we are assisting them through a range of channels."

Hotovely did not elaborate on the Israeli assistance, other than to say that during "dialogue with the Americans..., we state our truth regarding the YPG...and we are proud of our taking a stand alongside the YPG".

Israel has maintained discreet military, intelligence and business ties with the separatist militant groups, that have been exploiting the Kurdish nationalism in the Middle East, in the since the 1960s.

Chief among those today are Iranian-sponsored forces deploying close to Israel's borders, including within Syria.

"Israel indeed has a salient interest in preserving the strength of the YPG in the north Syria area as moderate and pro-Western elements," Hotovely said.

"The possible collapse of the YPG hold in north Syria is a negative and dangerous scenario as far as Israel is concerned. It is absolutely clear that such an event would bring about a bolstering of negative elements in the area, headed by Iran."