On a Collision Course: Erdogan’s Ambitions Are Turning Turkey Into a Threat

For years, Turkey was considered one of Israel’s most important allies in the Middle East. Security cooperation was close, diplomatic ties were stable, and Ankara was seen as a moderating force in the region. But under Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, that picture has changed completely: over the past two decades, Erdogan has adopted a sharply anti-Israel line and made the Palestinian issue one of the central banners of his policy. He presents himself as the “protector of the Palestinians,” regularly attacks Israel, and maintains close ties with Hamas.

From Israel’s perspective, however, the problem is not limited to statements. Erdogan is simultaneously working to expand his influence across the Middle East, with the aim of establishing Turkey as the leading regional power. One of the main focal points is Syria, where Ankara is working to deepen its foothold and is even promoting the establishment of air force bases that could affect Israel’s freedom of action. At the same time, Turkey is seeking to increase its involvement in the Gaza Strip and continues to strengthen its ties with Hamas. In the eastern Mediterranean, it maintains a UAV base in northern Cyprus and continues to expand its military presence.

Turkey’s military capabilities are also drawing attention. The country is considered a drone power, possesses ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israel, and has an advanced navy that includes some of the most sophisticated ships and missile boats in the region. Despite all this, Turkey is not an isolated country. It is a NATO member, enjoys significant international standing, and Erdogan maintains ties with major leaders around the world, including U.S. President Donald Trump. Therefore, the question is no longer only what Erdogan says about Israel, but how far he will go in trying to realize his regional ambitions. Turkey may not be Iran, but in the eyes of many it is gradually becoming one of the most significant challenges facing Israel in the changing Middle East.

As a reminder, Erdogan said earlier that “Israel’s attacks in Syria and Lebanon have reached a point where they also threaten Turkey. We see malicious initiatives led by Israel also in the Mediterranean Sea, no one should be chasing adventures there.” In addition, the Turkish president threatened neighboring Cyprus and said: “Our response will be clear and strong if the rights of the Turks and the Turkish Cypriots are violated in the eastern Mediterranean. Israel’s aggression poses a threat to the entire world, it must be stopped.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to Erdogan’s remarks and said: “The antisemitic tyrant Erdogan, who is committing genocide against the Kurds, supports Hamas, represses his own people and puts political opponents in prison, is the last person who can preach morality to the State of Israel. The State of Israel and the IDF, the most moral army in the world, will continue to act forcefully against Iran and its proxies, which threaten the Middle East and the entire world.”