Erdoğan Drops the Mask, Adopts Iranian-Style Rhetoric, and Europe Faces a Troubling Reality
Dr. Rami Daniel, a researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), outlines in a special interview a troubling picture, from the blatant radicalization of Turkey's president, who has turned to attacking Zionism itself, to the migration crisis and violence that are battering Europe's capitals. "The countries that lecture us do not know how to deal with the problems at home," he says.
Relations between Jerusalem and Ankara are once again escalating, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sharpens his tone in an unprecedented way and threatens to harm Israeli interests if Israel acts in Syria and Lebanon. To clarify the developments in Europe, we spoke with Dr. Rami Daniel, a researcher at INSS.
Erdoğan's troubling shift, "From European terminology to Iranian"
"It is important to understand that in recent times, extreme anti-Israel statements have become part of the routine in Turkey," Dr. Daniel begins, explaining the backdrop to the Turkish president's weekly speeches. "But in the past month we have seen a worsening in the overall tone. What is particularly troubling in the latest speech is that Erdoğan is beginning to include Lebanon in the equation, a arena that was not previously a direct point of friction between us and the Turks."
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There is a sense that Erdoğan sees an opportunity here, perhaps בעקבות Iran's moves, and is trying to exploit what he sees as a loss of Israeli control.
"I completely agree with that analysis. Erdoğan feels that Israel is in trouble and is trying to profit from that reality. Beyond that, it is important to note that the personal relations between Erdoğan and Donald Trump are excellent. Although Turkey opposes American policy against Iran, Erdoğan manages to make a complete distinction and keep the Washington-Ankara axis strong and functioning, which undoubtedly harms Israeli interests."
President Erdoğan of Turkey (Photo: Shutterstock)
In the past, some argued that Erdoğan was not anti-Semitic, but only opposed to the current Israeli government's policy. Where do things stand today?
"Many indeed claimed that, among other reasons because he makes sure to send New Year's and Passover greetings to Jews in Turkey in order to present a respectful image. But if you delve into his latest speech, a troubling picture emerges: Erdoğan is no longer attacking Netanyahu or the government, he is using the words 'Zionism' and 'Zionists' as slurs, and speaking about 'Zionist terror networks.' He is returning to his Islamist roots and attacking Israel as a state and Zionism as a whole. As is well known, in Islamic countries and in Europe, the line and separation between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism is very blurred, and that is exactly what is happening with Erdoğan. He has moved from a softer, more 'European' rhetoric to an extreme Iranian rhetoric."
Profile of a strengthened leader
"We basically have a leader who is returning to his Islamist roots, intensifying his tone against Israel, and at the same time his international position is excellent, he has improved relations with the Arab world, is coordinated with Trump, and the Europeans are in such a deep crisis that they cannot restrain him. That is not a simple combination for Israel."
Europe's decline, the four pillars that collapsed
In the second part of the interview, Dr. Daniel addresses the deep crisis affecting a continent once seen as a symbol of stability and progress, and explains that the economic and security model of the end of the 20th century has simply collapsed.
"The European model of the last 20 years was based on four pillars," Dr. Daniel explains: cheap security, almost total reliance on the United States for security through NATO; cheap energy, a steady and inexpensive supply of gas and oil from Russia; cheap products, open and inexpensive trade with the Chinese; and cheap labor, the entry of migrant workers to operate the market.
"Within a few years, all four pillars completely collapsed," he says. "Russia invaded Ukraine and cut off energy; the Chinese are slowly destroying local industry; the United States is no longer interested in financing Europe's security; and immigration has turned from an economic solution into a very serious internal political and social problem that is setting the streets on fire."
We recently saw the severe violence in the streets of Paris after football matches, crazy vandalism, property damage, and barbaric behavior. Is this what the continent looks like?
"These events combine two things. On the one hand, yes, they are the consequences of immigration, and as can be seen, many of the rioters are waving the flags of their countries of origin rather than that of France. On the other hand, the French problem is broader. We are seeing street violence that does not come only from immigrants, recall the 'Yellow Vest' protests a few years ago, when French outsiders burned the Champs-Élysées. Society believes less and less in the political system and turns far too easily to violence. 2027, the year of the presidential election in France, is going to be especially tense and interesting."
Riots in Paris | Photo: Social media
"Lecturing us, while they cannot control their own house"
At the end of the conversation, the most painful point for Israeli citizens comes up, as they look at the international hypocrisy from Western countries.
"What creates deep frustration here," concludes the interviewer, "is the fact that these countries, and France בראשן, spend all day condemning Israel in UN institutions, accusing us of grave false charges, and lecturing us on how to behave. Suddenly, when the problems come home, into their own capitals, they are helpless and do not know how to deal with it."
