Turkey is blocking Israel from participating in NATO military exercises until a ceasefire is established in Gaza. Turkish officials confirmed this decision, stating it is part of a longstanding policy linked to humanitarian concerns. Relations between Turkey and Israel have further deteriorated due to recent conflicts, causing Turkey to enforce legal and trade sanctions against Israel.
Turkey has announced its intention to block any new military cooperation between Israel and NATO until a permanent ceasefire is established in Gaza. As reported by Middle East Eye, Turkish officials confirmed that Ankara prevented Israel’s participation in NATO’s upcoming exercise on “resilience and emergency preparedness” scheduled for September in Bulgaria. This decision aligns with Turkey’s long-standing position on the Israel-Gaza conflict, in which they have limited Israel’s previous NATO engagements, citing humanitarian concerns.
Israeli sources indicated that Turkey’s recent actions may be a direct response to remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the defense of Syria’s Druze and Kurdish communities. However, a Turkish official refuted this claim, stating, “We have been blocking Israel’s new engagements with NATO for over a year.” Instead, the official emphasized that the blockade will persist until Gaza sees a true ceasefire and humanitarian aid obstacles are lifted.
Turkey’s relationship with Israel soured significantly after a meeting in New York in September 2023 that was meant to signify reconciliation. Following the Hamas-led attack on October 7 and Israel’s ensuing military actions resulting in substantial Palestinian casualties, Turkey has ramped up its critique of Israel’s government. This has manifested in various forms, including legal actions and trade sanctions against Israel, largely motivated by domestic pressures following elections in Turkey.
Additionally, Turkey’s opposition has criticized President Erdogan for not effectively curtailing trade with Israel, particularly through intermediary countries, which has led to public outcry and demands for accountability. Turkey is also participating in legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice, claiming genocide in Gaza. These developments underscore the ongoing tension and complexities in Turkish-Israeli relations in the backdrop of the ongoing conflict.
In summary, Turkey’s decision to block Israel’s participation in NATO activities, including military drills, stems from its stance on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Turkish government is firm in its position that cooperation with Israel will not resume until a permanent ceasefire is in place and humanitarian access is ensured. This situation has exacerbated existing tensions between Turkey and Israel, further complicating regional dynamics.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
