Does Turkey Support Israel? A Complex Relationship Full of Twists and Turns

The relationship between Turkey and Israel has long been complex, shifting between cooperation, tensions, and reconciliation over the decades. While Turkey was the first Muslim-majority nation to recognize Israel in 1949, various events and political changes in both countries have strained the relationship at times. However, shared strategic interests have also brought the two countries back together. Examining the history and context provides crucial insight into this nuanced bilateral relationship.

Early Positive Relations

After Turkey recognized Israel in 1949 the 1950s to 1980s saw relatively balanced ties with Turkey maintaining relations with both Israel and its Arab neighbors. There was significant cooperation across trade, tourism, culture, and crucially – military and intelligence sharing.

This cooperation strengthened in the 1990s with the signing of agreements like the 1996 Defense Cooperation and Free Trade Agreements. Bilateral trade grew rapidly, defense tech transfers took place, and there were joint military exercises. By 2000, relations were described as “perfect” by Israel itself.

Rise of AKP and Deterioration

The early 2000s saw the start of deterioration. With AKP and Recep Tayyip Erdogan taking power in Turkey from 2002, policy became more assertive regarding Palestinians.

The 2008-09 Gaza War was the first major crisis, with Turkey condemning Israel’s actions Rhetoric escalated after Erdogan’s famous 2009 Davos walkout during an argument with the Israeli president

Ties ruptured in 2010 when Israeli forces killed 9 Turkish citizens aboard the Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara aid flotilla. Both withdrew ambassadors and Turkey expelled the Israeli envoy in 2011 after refusing to apologize.

Attempts at Normalization

Efforts to reconcile emerged in 2013 when Israel apologized for the flotilla deaths. In 2016, a reconciliation deal was signed to restore full diplomatic ties and ambassadors.

However, in late 2017, the US recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital prompted Erdogan to threaten cutting ties again. Ongoing Turkish ties with Hamas also remained a sticking point.

Recent Deterioration

In 2023, the conflict in Gaza saw the biggest crisis in years. Erdogan fiercely condemned Israel’s actions, called Israel a “terror state”, and promised legal action. Israel accused Turkey of backing “terrorists”.

Despite Erdogan’s fiery rhetoric, trade secretly continued even after stating it was suspended. This gap between rhetoric and policy highlighted Turkey’s balancing of ideology and pragmatism.

As the Gaza war continued through 2024, rhetoric remained inflammatory but Turkey avoided escalating into direct conflict, wary of severe economic impacts.

In November 2024, Turkey formally severed all diplomatic ties with Israel, after Israel refused to end military operations in Gaza. The complex relationship had reached a new nadir.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

While political relations have declined sharply, economic cooperation has proven more resilient and may be rebuilt in time. Much depends on geopolitical dynamics like US policy, the Iran nuclear issue, and regional stability.

Domestic politics also plays a key role – both Netanyahu and Erdogan face challenges, limiting flexibility. Ultimately, pragmatism may prevail again eventually, but the path back from the current rupture will be difficult.

The Israel-Turkey relationship has undergone many highs and lows over 70 years. While the two nations share many strategic interests, balancing these with ideology, domestic politics and regional rivalries will continue challenging bilateral ties for the foreseeable future.

Key Takeaways

• Turkey was the first Muslim-majority nation to recognize Israel but ties have fluctuated.

• Defense and economic cooperation grew in the 1990s before declining in the 2000s.

• Political changes and events like the Gaza wars/flotilla raid caused severe crises.

• Normalization efforts have been reversed by new tensions over issues like Jerusalem and Hamas.

• Rhetoric is often fiery but policy more pragmatic – economic ties endure despite political crises.

• Domestic politics constrain both Erdogan and Netanyahu from reconciliation currently.

• The relationship remains complex and fragile but pragmatism may eventually prevail again.