Israel’s Strategic Imperative: Preventing Conflict with Turkey

Israel must act decisively to address the emerging threat from Turkey, especially in light of its potential defense pact with Syria. Turkey, a dynamic regional power with NATO ties, poses unique challenges, warranting proactive alliances and diplomatic strategy from Israel to safeguard its security and interests in the region.

Turkey’s potential defense pact with the Syrian regime has raised alarms for Israel, positioning Turkey as a formidable regional player with interests that threaten Israeli security. This alliance could allow Turkey to establish military bases in Syria, which may represent a more significant threat to Israel than Iran has in recent years.

Unlike Iran, Turkey is an influential member of NATO, maintaining robust ties with the West and exercising its power across Europe and the Middle East. The current dynamics in Syria, with decreased Iranian and Russian influence, have granted Turkey an opportunity to expand its strategic interests, particularly under the leadership of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, a key architect of Turkey’s regional ambitions.

Fidan’s agenda includes fortifying Turkey’s presence in Libya, establishing military bases in Syria, increasing naval operations in the Mediterranean, and balancing relations with both NATO and Russia. The Turkish military is the second largest in NATO and plays a crucial role in regional geopolitics, bolstered by a thriving defense industry producing 70% of its military needs domestically.

Turkey’s influence extends beyond military might; it plays a vital role in European energy security through its control of essential natural gas pipelines. Additionally, Turkey’s hosting of over 3.5 million Syrian refugees provides it with considerable influence over European migration policies.

For Israel, it is imperative to preemptively establish alliances to mitigate the risk of conflict with Turkey. Strategic partnerships with moderate Sunni Arab nations such as Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, supported by the United States, could be beneficial. Moreover, Israel’s alliances with Greece and Cyprus in military and diplomatic efforts further strengthen its regional position and delineate boundaries that Turkey should respect.

In light of these developments, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gathered security advisers to assess the emerging threats along Israel’s northeastern borders, specifically concerning Turkey’s expanding role. This moment is pivotal for Israel to develop a comprehensive response, involving both military readiness and diplomatic engagements with Turkey to avert potential confrontations.

In conclusion, Turkey’s emerging influence and potential defense collaboration with Syria signify a substantial challenge for Israel. The need for proactive alliance formation, particularly with moderate Arab nations and regional partners, is critical to securing Israeli interests. Enhanced diplomatic efforts and strategic military collaborations will be vital for Israel to navigate the shifting geopolitical landscape and prevent future conflicts with Turkey.

Original Source: www.ynetnews.com