Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Shikli warned that the scenario of a military confrontation between Israel and Turkey has become a “very possible possibility,” in light of the escalation of political and security tension between the two countries and developments related to military cooperation between Ankara and Washington.
Shekli said, during an interview with the Israeli Broadcasting Authority “Kan,” that Tel Aviv takes the statements of Turkish officials seriously, considering that the recent Turkish rhetoric towards Israel reflects a worrying deterioration in relations between the two sides.
He added: “We have learned that it is very important to listen to what leaders around the world say, and what Israel’s enemies say. When Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan says that Israel is a burden on humanity and that humanity can no longer bear that burden, these are very dangerous statements.”
Shekli’s statements coincided with the ongoing discussions between Turkey and the United States regarding the purchase of American F-35 fighter jets, after US President Donald Trump announced, after his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prior to the NATO summit, that his administration was considering implementing the deal.
The Israeli minister criticized what he described as the “friendly relationship” between Trump and Erdogan, considering that it raises concerns for Israel. He also saw Turkey’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as a challenge in light of the current tensions.
“This whole friendship that Trump shows towards Erdogan means a big problem for us, as well as for NATO,” Shekli said.
He considered that Washington’s failure to announce its approval to supply Turkey with F-35 fighters represents a “diplomatic achievement” for Israel, noting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with the leaders of Greece and Cyprus, exerted pressure to prevent the completion of the deal, according to him.
These statements come at a time when Turkish-Israeli relations are witnessing increasing tension against the backdrop of the war in the Gaza Strip, and the exchange of political and diplomatic criticism between the two sides, in addition to other regional issues that have contributed to deepening the dispute.
