Turkey

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 have led the Turkish president to abandon his balanced realpolitik approach. For ties to return to normal, Israel will need to restore the perception of it as a strong nation and Turkey should distance itself from Hamas.

The future of Israel’s policy in the Eastern Mediterranean

Turkey, at least as long as the AKP is in power, cannot be considered a reliable partner for major national projects such as energy exports. Cyprus and to some extent Greece proved their value in an emergency as Israel's backup air and sea "rear areas." Sustaining an effective dialog with Cairo and avoiding acts and statements that would exacerbate tensions must remain a vital aspect of Israeli policy.

Turkish-Israeli Relations Take a Major Step Forward

The post-Abraham Accords strategic environment in the Middle East and Azerbaijan’s emergence as a common denominator for Israel and Turkey are helping the two states come together.

The first foreign minister to visit Greece after the swearing-in of Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ new government was Israel’s Eli Cohen – a sign that both countries see the importance of their relationship and the new alignment of forces in the Eastern Mediterranean. While new avenues of dialogue are opening between Jerusalem and Ankara – including a planned visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, officially confirmed by Erdogan – Israel’s priorities should remain firm. Pressure to agree to a gas pipeline to Turkey should be resisted. Regarding national security, the partnership with Greece and Cyprus is a game changer, giving Israel

Countdown to Erdogan - Netanyahu summit in Turkey

Watch the recording of the JISS Briefing on the 2023 Turkish Elections

Two powerful earthquakes that struck Turkey’s southeast on February 6, 2023, have taken an enormous toll on lives and livelihoods, putting aside the economic and social damage of epic proportions inflicted on the country. Apart from the ensuing chaotic political atmosphere ahead of the general election in May, the tragedy also has implications for foreign policy.

Turkey’s relations with Sweden and Finland are at a crossroads, and it behooves all three countries to proceed with sensitivity to protect their national interests