Jerusalem: Tensions between Israel and Turkey are escalating. Following a high-level meeting in Jerusalem on Monday with the leaders of Greece and Cyprus, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a strong warning to Turkey—without mentioning the country by name—saying that any attempt to reclaim old empires or assert dominance over their lands will never succeed.
The trilateral meeting, attended by Netanyahu, Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, focused on countering Turkey’s growing influence in the Eastern Mediterranean. Netanyahu referenced historical incursions, noting that multiple empires had previously ruled over their lands, but emphasized that “through courage and sacrifice, we achieved independence in the modern era.” He made it clear that any attempts to restore past empires or control their territories would be futile.
Background of the Conflict
Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has increasingly embraced an assertive Islamic-nationalist agenda. The nation’s historical Ottoman Empire once ruled large parts of Western Asia for nearly 600 years. Erdoğan has been accused of aspiring to revive the empire’s influence, including asserting control over the Gaza Strip and other strategic areas.
Relations between Israel and Turkey were once cordial, with Turkey being a NATO member and maintaining strong ties with Israel, partly due to U.S. influence. However, tensions worsened after October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel. Erdoğan praised Hamas and accused Israel of committing atrocities in Gaza. Subsequently, Turkey suspended trade with Israel, closed its airspace to Israeli flights, and issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and 37 Israeli officials.
Eastern Mediterranean Stakes
Turkey’s announcement to explore gas reserves near northern Cyprus has stirred concerns in the region. Greece, Cyprus, and Israel have all staked claims over these contested areas. The meeting in Jerusalem marked the tenth trilateral gathering aimed at forming a rapid-response military alliance in the Eastern Mediterranean. The three nations now plan to provide mutual military support in case of Turkish aggression.
Netanyahu stressed that Israel is committed to strengthening its defense capabilities and working closely with its Mediterranean allies. India’s growing ties with these nations also reflect a strategic response to Turkey’s and Pakistan’s expanding influence in the region.
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