Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak is an expert on contemporary Turkish politics and foreign policy, Turkish-Israeli relations, and the Kurds. He is co-editor of Turkeyscope, a publication of the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at Tel Aviv University.
Israel should exploit the expanding rift between Ankara and Tehran to normalize its relations with Turkey. This also could bring Turkey into the circle of countries supporting the Abraham Accords.
Turkey and Israel Inch Closer Toward Reconciliation
Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: There won’t be any major steps forward until the “crystallization” of the results of next month’s Israeli elections.
Israel still cool to gestures from Turkey
Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: The Abraham Accords changed the geopolitical set-up in the region, and Israel is no longer the Middle East isolated state it used to be. Turkey must come to terms with this new situation.
In first, Saudi paper prints op-ed by Israelis – on Erdogan’s private militias
Fellows at Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security pen analysis of Turkish leader’s proxy armies, based on joint research with a UAE think tank.
On JISS-TRENDS joint research published in Saudi Arabia
Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak
Erdoğan has created a private military and paramilitary system. He deploys this apparatus for domestic and foreign operations without official oversight.
Les milices privées reniables d’Erdoğan déstabilisent le Moyen-Orient
Leur rôle est de faire avancer son grand plan de rétablissement de pouvoir sur d’anciens territoires de l’empire ottoman, allant des territoires palestiniens, à la Syrie en passant par le Caucase et aussi loin que le Cachemire, selon certains rapports.
Erdoğan has created a private military and paramilitary system. He deploys this apparatus for domestic and foreign operations without official oversight.
Getting inside Erdogan’s head
Dr. Hay Eitan Cohen Yanarocak: The Turks are afraid of harsher American sanctions and they want help from the Israeli and Jewish lobbies, which they see as having a lot of sway in Washington. Their assumption is that renormalization with Israel will be a trust-building step for Washington, a kind of proof of good behavior.
Arabs states draw closer to Israel to counter non-Arab powers Turkey and Iran
Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: Almost in every theater, Turkey, Qatar and Hamas are challenging the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
On the dispute between Erdogan and Macron regarding Nagorno Karabakh
Interview with Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak
Erdogan: ‘Jerusalem is our city, a city from us’
Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: When Erdoğan lashes out, whether it be against Armenia, via military assistance to Azerbaijan, against Greece or by verbal attacks on Israel, we know that he is talking to his electoral base.
Total of 140 articles in English
30 articles
Abstract Since the outbreak of war in Gaza on October 7, 2023, antisemitism has surged globally, including in Turkey, where it increasingly…
Developments in Turkey raise the question of whether President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will finally be forced to exit the stage—or whether the…
Ankara aims to establish lasting influence through military expansion, strategic infrastructure projects, and economic agreements, including maritime treaties. Through its assertive Neo-Ottomanist…
Given the fraught nature of U.S.-Turkish bilateral relations over the last decade, spanning both the current Biden administration and the first Trump…
By framing Israel as a national security threat, the Turkish President deflects attention from the country’s internal challenges while addressing evolving regional…
Standing with his Somalian and Ethiopian counterparts Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and Taye Atske Selassie, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a press…
The Turkish opposition’s landslide victory in recent municipal elections indicate that with continued tacit Kurdish collaboration with the opposition and given the…
The loss of Israel’s strong-state image in Ankara, together with Erdogan’s short-term need to deflect the opposition’s appropriation of the Palestinian cause…
It is time for Israel, to demonstrate its real power against Hamas. Jerusalem’s firm stance on eradicating this ISIS-like terrorist entity will…
The post-Abraham Accords strategic environment in the Middle East and Azerbaijan’s emergence as a common denominator for Israel and Turkey are helping…
Two powerful earthquakes that struck Turkey’s southeast on February 6, 2023, have taken an enormous toll on lives and livelihoods, putting aside…
Turkey’s relations with Sweden and Finland are at a crossroads, and it behooves all three countries to proceed with sensitivity to protect…
For the last decade and a half, Ankara has shown an ever-increasing interest in Africa. The foundation of its foreign policy is…
To divert attention away from the antagonism between the two Arab parties, namely the Assad regime and the opposition, Ankara has designated…
Turkey’s mending of ties with Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and even to some extent, Egypt serves to isolate Tehran…
For Erdogan, who pushes a Neo-Ottomanist blended Pan-Islamist foreign policy, making such a turnaround in India-Pakistan policy will not be easy. However,…
Tashkent's increasingly critical approach toward Russia and its deepening role in the Organization of Turkic States has positioned the country as Ankara's…
Ironically, the American recognition of the Armenian genocide removed an obstacle for Armenia and Turkey to move forward.
Erdoğan’s alliance with the Turkish nationalists at home resulted in the adoption of an aggressive foreign policy.
A storm over a petition by retired naval officers once again has revealed longstanding tensions between the civilian Turkish government and the…
Israel should exploit the expanding rift between Ankara and Tehran to normalize its relations with Turkey. This also could bring Turkey into…
Erdoğan has created a private military and paramilitary system. He deploys this apparatus for domestic and foreign operations without official oversight.
Erdoğan has created a private military and paramilitary system. He deploys this apparatus for domestic and foreign operations without official oversight.
Turkey wants to have it both ways: To act against the Salafists, while using them as dispensable mercenaries against the Kurds.
Under Erdogan's leadership, Turkey threatens the stability of the region and Israel’s interests too.
Ankara's military interventions in Iraq, Syria and Libya as well as its growing presence in the eastern Mediterranean constitutes a radical change…
On "Kurdophobia," Refugees and Reviving the National Pact Borders.
Turkey finds itself at a historic junction where it must decide whether to proceed alone by challenging Israel, Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus…
Turkey is turning northern Syria – Jarabulus and Afrin – into the “Turkish Republic of Northern Syria,” just as it has turned…
9 articles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqefywXObgQ In our latest episode, I was joined by Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak, a premier expert on Turkish affairs. While the…
Watch the recording of the JISS webinar that took place February 3, 2026
Watch the recording of the webinar that took place October 19, 2025
Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, 14.04.2025
The lecture was part of the session on the Middle East Regional Powers' Struggle in Africa at the "Africa and Israel: Building…
Watch the recording of the JISS Briefing on the 2023 Turkish Elections
A briefing by experts of the JISS
A briefing by experts of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security
Watch this video briefing about Turkish activism and aggression across the region, given in early July by JISS fellow Dr. Hay Eytan…
101 articles
Interview with Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak
The Telegraph, 05.03.2026 Click here to read the article
Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak is quoted in the article
Turkish-Israeli Relations Take a Major Step Forward
Countdown to Erdogan - Netanyahu summit in Turkey
Mosaic, 4.1.2022 Click here to read the article
Turkey arrests 7 citizens suspected of spying on Palestinians for Mossad
Turkey inches closer to invasion of northern Syria as Islamic State terror threat grows
With attacks on Kurds, Erdogan aims to weaken opposition ahead of election
After the historic Netanyahu-Erdoğan phone call
Israel’s Gantz Lands in Ankara to Meet Turkish Defense Minister in Sign of Warming Ties
Can Gantz's visit to Ankara be considered a milestone in Israeli-Turkish relations?
Erdoğan, Lapid To Meet as Israel Announces Ambassador
Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak in i24News (in French)
Turkey-Greece Tensions Could Deepen European Energy Crisis
The significance of Armenia's withdrawal from Lachin for Israel
Behind Turkey's ever-changing ties: Will Turkey invade Syria again?
Renewal of Israel-Turkey ties a ‘win-win’ for both countries and the region, say analysts
Israel and Turkey upgraded their relations back to the ambassadorial level
After the reconciliation with Israel what is next for the Turkish foreign policy?
Israel, Turkey to reappoint ambassadors, opening new chapter in relations
Turkey and Iran: ‘Keep your friends close but enemies closer’
Mavi Marmara flotilla: Spark of an Israel-Turkey diplomatic fallout
On the trilateral Turkish, Iranian, Russian Summit in Tehran
Making Sense of Israel, Erdoğan, and Turkey
Experts say ‘Jewish’ diplomacy was key in Turkey-Israel rapprochement
Experts Say ‘Jewish’ Diplomacy Played Key Role in Turkey-Israel Rapprochement
Don’t Travel to Turkey, Israel Warns Citizens Amid Alleged Threat From Iran
The Growing Iranian Threat Against Israeli Tourists in Turkey
The Abraham Accords, Israel and Turkish-Indian normalization
Can a Renewed Alliance Between Israel and Turkey Stabilize the Middle East?
Israel's travel warning to Turkey amid the Iranian threat
Turkish FM wraps up historic visit to Israel
Emphasis on Expanding Economic Ties as Israel, Turkey Renew Relations
Visiting Israel, Turkish foreign minister rehabilitates bilateral ties
FM’s visit shows Turkey eager to accelerate reconciliation, but Israel more cautious
Interview with Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak on Turkey’s foreign minister’s visit to Israel
Interview with Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak on Israel-Turkey Relations
Muslim world slams Abu Akleh killing, but largely refrains from blaming Israel
In Turkish Charm Offensive, Jewish Life Is the New Selling Point
Interview of Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak on Turkey-Israel Relations
In Independence Day letter to Herzog, Erdogan wishes Israel prosperity, well-being
Turkey targets Israel with charm offensive as it angles to regain regional status
Turkey continues regional initiative with meetings with Israel, Egypt
Russia-Ukraine war: Conflict boosts hopes for East Mediterranean energy, experts say
Herzog’s meeting with Erdogan represents a step towards Israel-Turkey normalization
Israeli president's visit to Turkey may herald new era in relations
Mideast Friends-Turned-Foes Seek to Make Up in Shadow of War
Making connections between Hamas, UAE, Sheikh Jarrah and Israel-Turkey
As Thaw in Turkish-Israeli Relations Appears to Be Deepening, What's Behind Recent Rapprochement?
Israeli President’s Planned Visit to Turkey Opens New Chapter in Relations
Confronting climate change, Turkey needs “green” leadership now more than ever
Israel: Expert warns against ‘fragile’ Turkey normalization
US no longer supports EastMed gas pipeline
Was Erdoğan’s meeting with rabbinic leaders a ‘spectacle of tolerance’?
‘BAE ekonomi kartını ortaya koyarak Türkiye'yi Doğu Akdeniz'deki platforma çekmeye çalışıyor'
Turkey’s Relations with Africa Blossom as Lucrative Arms Market Beckons
Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak on the Oknin affair
Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak on the Oknin affair
Couple’s ongoing detention likely means Turkish intel still fishing for Israeli info
Hostage diplomacy: How Israel became Turkey's victim
Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak on the Oknin affair
Warming Ties Between Turkey and Gulf States Are Sign of Changing Geopolitical Landscape
Normalization with Erdogan? Trust, but verify
Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak on Turkish Interior Minister Soylu's remarks on the Israeli couple
Israeli officials fear Turkey’s Erdoğan will exploit imprisoned Israeli couple as political pawnsInterview with Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak
Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak in an interview on the Osman Kavala trial in TurkeyInterview on i24 News
Turkish Paper: 15 Alleged Mossad Agents ArrestedInterview with Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak
Turkey’s empty charm offensive Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: Unless it is backed with tangible steps—like putting an end to Ankara’s support…
Progress on mutual interests in spotlight as Israel FM visits UAE Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: Israel needs to consolidate the Abraham…
Turkey’s Strong Rhetoric Against Israel Sets Back Attempt to Thaw RelationsDr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: Israeli-Turkish relations have been set back five…
Why Israel won’t follow Biden’s lead and recognize Armenian genocideDr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: Israel should keep itself distant from this [genocide]…
Why has Israel not yet recognized the Armenian Genocide?Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: Recognizing the Armenian Genocide may be something very moral,…
Turkey irked over Israeli-Greek project for undersea power cableDr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: Israel-Turkey relations could continue improving.
With gas alliance moored to Turkey tensions, Israel tacks toward energy securityDr. Eran Lerman: The direction is to bring the Egyptians in,…
Turkey and Israel Inch Closer Toward ReconciliationDr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: There won’t be any major steps forward until the “crystallization” of…
Israel still cool to gestures from TurkeyDr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: The Abraham Accords changed the geopolitical set-up in the region, and…
In first, Saudi paper prints op-ed by Israelis - on Erdogan's private militiasFellows at Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security pen analysis…
On JISS-TRENDS joint research published in Saudi ArabiaDr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak
Les milices privées reniables d’Erdoğan déstabilisent le Moyen-OrientLeur rôle est de faire avancer son grand plan de rétablissement de pouvoir sur d’anciens…
Getting inside Erdogan's headDr. Hay Eitan Cohen Yanarocak: The Turks are afraid of harsher American sanctions and they want help from the…
The EastMed Dispute & its Implications for Israel, Part IIDr. Eran Lerman and Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak of JISS look ahead…
The EastMed Dispute & its Implications for Israel, Part I Dr. Eran Lerman and Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak of JISS analyze…
Arabs states draw closer to Israel to counter non-Arab powers Turkey and IranDr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: Almost in every theater, Turkey,…
On the dispute between Erdogan and Macron regarding Nagorno KarabakhInterview with Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak
Erdogan: 'Jerusalem is our city, a city from us' Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: When Erdoğan lashes out, whether it be against…
Who's who in the race for Hamas' top political spot?Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: Erdogan sees its relationship with Hamas through the…
The concealment of Turkish corona morbidity ratesDr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: Erdogan is concealing Turkey's true corona figures
Gaza Violence Exacerbates Israel-Turkey Rift. Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: At the end of the day, if you are supporting Hamas your…
Turkey launches ‘Blue Homeland’ naval drill. Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak: The largest naval drill in country's history is a clear message…
A Fragile Russian-Turkish Cease-fire In Syria’s Idlib. Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak of JISS: Turkey is eager to exclude Syria from negotiations…
