Turkey has halted military cooperation between Israel and NATO until a permanent ceasefire in Gaza is achieved. This includes blocking Israel’s participation in an upcoming NATO exercise. Relations between Turkey and Israel have soured significantly in light of recent conflicts and accusations of genocide against Israel regarding its actions in Gaza.
Turkey has announced its intention to block any military cooperation between Israel and NATO until a permanent ceasefire is established in Gaza. Official sources disclosed to Middle East Eye that Turkey has already prevented Israel’s participation in NATO’s annual exercise focused on emergency preparedness, scheduled for September in Bulgaria.
Israeli reports confirm this suspension, indicating tensions surrounding statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the defense of Druze and Kurdish communities in Syria, which have reportedly angered Ankara. Despite speculation, a Turkish official emphasized that this blockage is unrelated to Syria, reiterating a long-standing refusal to allow new engagements with NATO.
The Turkish official stated, “Until a permanent ceasefire is achieved in Gaza and the obstacles to humanitarian aid are removed, we do not allow new or additional decisions to be made or new activities to be organised in NATO regarding Israel.” Turkey has previously taken similar actions, denying Israel observer status at NATO until a period of reconciliation in 2023.
The relationship between Turkey and Israel has sharply declined since a September 2023 meeting between President Erdoğan and Prime Minister Netanyahu intended to foster reconciliation. The conflict escalated following a Hamas-led attack and Israel’s military response in Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties. This has led Ankara to voice strong criticism against the Israeli government.
In addition to international pressure, the Turkish government’s trade dealings with Israel have come under scrutiny, prompting opposition accusations regarding Erdoğan’s ineffective response to the Gaza situation. Furthermore, Ankara joined an international legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing the country of genocide in Gaza.
Overall, Turkey’s measures signify a clear stance regarding Israeli military cooperation and reflect broader geopolitical tensions exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Turkey’s decision to block Israeli-NATO military cooperation underscores its firm position on the Gaza conflict. This blockage aligns with Turkey’s broader geopolitical strategy and response to perceived injustices in the region. As the situation unfolds, Turkey’s influence within NATO and its relationship with Israel remain pivotal matters, reflecting the complex intertwining of regional diplomacy with military alliances.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
