Turkey Blocking Cooperation Between Israel and Nato Until Permanent Gaza Ceasefire: Reports
Ankara (Quds News Network)- Turkey will reportedly block any new cooperation, including military drills, between Israel and Nato until a permanent ceasefire is reached in Gaza.
According to Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Turkey has prevented Israel from participating in NATO’s annual “resilience and emergency preparedness” exercise in Bulgaria, scheduled for September. Two Israeli sources confirmed to Middle East Eye (MEE) that Ankara has blocked Israel’s involvement in the drill.
A Turkish official stated, “We have been blocking Israel’s new engagements with Nato for over a year. However, activities stemming from Israel’s status in Nato continue.” The official added that, while previously agreed engagements before the war are still allowed, Ankara holds veto power in NATO, which requires unanimous decisions.
The Turkish source noted, “Until a permanent ceasefire is achieved in Gaza and the obstacles to humanitarian aid are removed, we do not allow new or additional decisions to be made or new activities to be organised in Nato regarding Israel.”
Previously, Ankara had blocked Israel from gaining observer status at NATO, though this stance was lifted during a 2023 reconciliation process between them.
Relations between Turkey and Israel have deteriorated sharply since a September 2023 meeting between Turkish President Erdogan and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in New York, which was meant to mark a return to cooperation. However, following Israel’s deadly assault on Gaza, Turkey has increased its criticism of the Israeli government.
In response, Turkey has taken a range of actions, including legal measures and trade sanctions. Additionally, Ankara has joined a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.
