Turkey Fears Lasting Rivalry With Israel, Regardless of Leadership
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
A Turkish intelligence report indicates that Israel's regional policy is a structural orientation likely to persist regardless of leadership changes, fueling concerns in Ankara about a lasting rivalry. Researcher Mustafa Enes Esen suggests that even potential leaders like Gadi Eisenkot would not alter the strategic balance, as both he and Benjamin Netanyahu share similar security views. Key areas of competition include Syria, the Eastern Mediterranean, and energy alliances. U.S. mediation may be needed to prevent the geopolitical rivalry from escalating into military conflict.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Turkey fears a lasting rivalry with Israel, extending beyond current leaders Netanyahu and Erdogan.
- A Turkish intelligence report views Israel's regional policy as a structural orientation likely to persist.
- Researcher Mustafa Enes Esen believes potential leader Gadi Eisenkot would not change the strategic balance.
- Syria is a key point of contention, with differing goals for its future government.
- Competition spans the Eastern Mediterranean, energy alliances, and trade routes.
- U.S. mediation may be needed to prevent the rivalry from escalating into military conflict.
A researcher's analysis suggests that the rivalry between Turkey and Israel extends beyond personal disputes between their leaders, Benjamin Netanyahu and Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This conclusion is based on a Turkish National Intelligence Academy report from October 23, which characterizes Israel's regional policy as a structural orientation likely to persist irrespective of who becomes the next prime minister. The report, titled "Anatomy of Israeli Expansionism," posits that even a leader like Gadi Eisenkot, a former chief of staff and war cabinet member associated with the "Dahiya doctrine" of overwhelming force, would not fundamentally alter the strategic balance for Ankara. According to researcher Mustafa Enes Esen, both Netanyahu and Eisenkot share similar security approaches concerning Iran, Syria, and Lebanon. Syria has emerged as a key point of contention, with Turkey seeking a strong central government in Damascus while Israel prioritizes maintaining its freedom of military action against border threats. The Turkish report also suggests Israel favors fragmented neighboring states, an interpretation from Ankara's perspective. The competition further extends to the Eastern Mediterranean, energy alliances, and trade routes. Esen believes U.S. mediation may be necessary to prevent the geopolitical rivalry from escalating into military confrontation, highlighting the challenge for two regional powers with diverging ambitions to coexist.
Mentioned
