Turkey Blocks Israel-NATO Military Drills Until Gaza Ceasefire Achieved

Turkey is blocking Israel’s participation in NATO military drills until a permanent ceasefire is established in Gaza. This is part of Turkey’s broader strategy to exert pressure on Israel amid heightened tensions due to the recent conflict, and restrictions on new Israel-NATO activities have been in place for over a year. The deteriorating relations between Turkey and Israel reflect substantial political changes and public sentiment in Turkey regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Turkey has announced that it will block any new cooperation, including military drills with Israel and NATO, until a permanent ceasefire is reached in Gaza. Turkish officials conveyed this decision to Middle East Eye, highlighting Turkey’s intention to restrict Israel’s participation in NATO activities. Recently, Israel was barred from joining NATO’s annual exercise focused on resilience and emergency preparedness in Bulgaria, scheduled for September.

The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that two Israeli sources confirmed Turkey’s blocking of their country’s involvement in this NATO drill. One source speculated that the blockade may be connected to remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the protection of the Druze and Kurdish communities in Syria, which has angered Ankara. However, a Turkish official clarified that the blockade is not linked to the situation in Syria, stating, “We have been blocking Israel’s new engagements with NATO for over a year.”

The official elaborated that while new activities involving Israel are restricted, Israel’s existing status within NATO allows for some engagement. “Until a permanent ceasefire is achieved in Gaza and the obstacles to humanitarian aid are removed, we do not allow new or additional decisions to be made or new activities to be organized in NATO regarding Israel,” the source added.

Turkey has previously exercised its veto to block Israel’s observer status within NATO but lifted this restriction during a reconciliation process between the nations earlier in 2023. Relations between Turkey and Israel have sharply declined since a meeting between President Erdogan and Prime Minister Netanyahu in New York back in September 2023, which was meant to signify improved relations.

The situation escalated following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in heavy casualties in Gaza. Turkey has intensified its critique of the Netanyahu government in light of these events, leading to legal actions and trade sanctions against Israel. Turkish opposition parties pressured Erdogan’s government over continued trade relations with Israel, urging an end to perceived loopholes amidst growing public discontent following local elections in which his party lost significant support.

Furthermore, Ankara has joined a legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, alleging genocide in Gaza, reflecting the increasing tensions and the reassertion of Turkey’s stance concerning military cooperation with Israel in the context of NATO.

In conclusion, Turkey’s decision to block military cooperation with Israel in NATO reflects its ongoing discontent with the situation in Gaza. This move is part of Turkey’s broader strategy to ensure that no new engagements occur until a lasting ceasefire is achieved. As relations between Turkey and Israel continue to deteriorate, the repercussions could affect regional stability and NATO’s collective actions.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net