Turkey Blocks NATO-Israel Cooperation Over Gaza

Turkey has effectively halted cooperation between NATO and Israel since October, citing the ongoing war in Gaza as the primary reason. Sources indicate that Turkey insists the alliance should refrain from engaging with Israel until the conflict concludes. Israel, which has historically maintained a close partnership with NATO, particularly with the United States, finds its status as a NATO partner challenged by Turkey's stance. The tensions escalated following Israel's military offensive in Gaza, which was triggered by a violent attack from the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7. Prior to this, Turkey had been attempting to repair its historically strained relations with Israel. However, in response to what it describes as a "genocide" against Palestinians, Turkey has not only criticized Israel's actions but also suspended all bilateral trade and condemned Western nations for their support of Israel. Sources reveal that Turkey has vetoed all NATO engagements with Israel, including joint meetings and military exercises, viewing Israel's actions in Gaza as a breach of NATO's founding principles. A UN inquiry earlier this year found that both Israel and Hamas had committed war crimes, with Israel's actions deemed crimes against humanity due to significant civilian casualties. Turkey maintains that it will continue to block Israel's NATO interactions until the conflict ends, asserting that Israel's conduct violates international law and human rights. In light of these developments, Turkish President Erdogan has stated that NATO cannot sustain its partnership with the current Israeli administration. Recently, Israel's foreign minister called for Turkey's expulsion from NATO, following Erdogan's remarks suggesting potential military intervention similar to past actions in Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh.