The Decline of Turkish and Israeli Cooperation

posted on: Sep 2, 2025

By: Amir Kobeissi / Arab America Contributing Writer

Turkey and Israel have maintained what appeared to be a working relationship for decades, but this has quickly declined in recent years. What had once been a progressive relationship, has quickly turned into a problematic one. This has raised many questions about the future of the Middle East, and how the two countries’ influence may affect the region. Arab America’s contributing writer Amir Kobeissi dives deep into the effects of Turkish And Israeli relations and how it came to be. 

History Behind The Relationship

The history behind Turkey and Israel’s relationship dates back to 1949, where Turkey became the first Muslim country to recognize the state of Israel. In a region where majority of the countries in the area show a strong opposition to Israel, Turkey and Israel saw each other as allies. Despite having religious and political differences, both wanted to further their Western influence, especially with Turkey’s role in NATO.

At the start of the 1990’s, Turkish and Israeli relations were at their strongest. The two countries signed multiple trade and military agreements. Tourists from Israel would visit Turkey on a regular basis, and economic trade was at its best. This also sparked some similarities between the two, as both viewed the regions instability in similar ways.

Political Changes and Shifts

Despite the long lasting relationship between the two countries, many problems began to arise in the early 2000s and beyond. Turkish president Erdogan had many different approaches than his processor, and began great shifts in Turkish Foreign policy. Most notably his stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, where he had started showing support for the Palestinian cause, which began to strain Israeli relations. Turkey began to criticize Israeli military actions in Gaza, which resulted in Erdogan publicly speaking out against unjust operations committed by the Israelis. Diplomatic relations began to become limited, and cooperation between the two countries became a problem for the region as a whole.

Normalization Efforts

In spite of consistent issues and setbacks, the two countries found some sort of common ground. In 2016, they came to a reconciliation agreement and cooperation resumed to a certain extent. Relations were not as strong as they once were, and Turkish leaders continued voicing their support for the Palestinian cause. Israeli policy and action were condemned towards Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. This put Israel in a tough situation, but explored alternatives where they aimed to strengthen relations with the UAE and gulf countries, through the Abraham Accords.

Future Relationship

Although the two countries have faced several disagreements and obstacles throughout their relationship, they both share similar interests within the region they are located. Both have been found of the idea of foreign and western investment in the nation, but have come to a sense of distrust with one another directly. A prime example of this is in Syria, where both countries are trying to make efforts in influencing the new government in place. Both sides condemning each others efforts in the region, making the relationship even more complex beyond just Palestine.

Conclusion

The Turkish and Israeli relationship shows just how common political shifts can be in the Middle East, and each side being influenced by different countries and nations when coming to a decision. What once seemed like a evolving relationship between two of the Middle East’s strongest powers, has become strained overtime through changes within the region, most notably in Palestine and Syria. While stronger relations may remain possible, it would require both parties to put their differences aside, in a time where the region is already suffering from great instability. In the meantime, the Turkish and Israeli relationship reflects just how much geopolitics in the Middle East can change.

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