For much of the 20th century, Israel and Turkey were among the Middle East’s most significant strategic partners. Their militaries trained together, Israeli defence technology flowed into Turkey, and trade and intelligence cooperation helped bind the relationship together. Both countries saw value in containing regional instability, and their partnership offered a rare bridge between Israel and a major Muslim power. That world has disappeared.

The deterioration in Israeli-Turkish relations is often attributed to the Gaza war. However, Gaza is only the most visible expression of a deeper strategic realignment. Beneath the rhetoric lies a more consequential question: what kind of Middle East do Israel and Turkey want to see emerge from the upheavals of the past decade? Increasingly, their answers are difficult to reconcile.

Syria is not the only theatre in which the strategic balance is changing. Israel has developed increasingly close military relationships with Greece and Cyprus, creating a significant security partnership in the eastern Mediterranean.

Syria is not the only theatre in which the strategic balance is changing. Israel has developed increasingly close military relationships with Greece and Cyprus, creating a significant security partnership in the eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey is expanding its political, military and economic influence in Syria while rebuilding relationships across the Arab world. Israel, meanwhile, is determined to preserve its military freedom of action and prevent other regional forces from acquiring strategic depth near its borders. The result is a relationship that has moved beyond diplomatic hostility towards something resembling a strategic rivalry, with Syria emerging as the most dangerous arena where that rivalry could turn military.

The rupture has been dramatic. In May 2024, Turkey halted bilateral trade with Israel until the Gaza war ended and humanitarian aid was allowed to reach Palestinians. President Erdo?an has become one of Israel’s most outspoken critics, while Israeli officials increasingly regard Ankara not simply as a difficult partner but as a government hostile to Israel. The political divide has consequently acquired a language of strategic threat rather than diplomatic........

© Daily Times