Tensions between Israel and Turkey are escalating as the Israeli Navy seeks to deter what it views as growing Turkish maritime activity, according to The Jerusalem Post.
The newspaper reported that Israel wants to send a message to Ankara that any assumption that the Turkish navy can operate freely in the region will face a response.
According to the report, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) are on high alert for potential Turkish moves by sea, land or air. This includes areas near Greece and Cyprus, as well as, in a worst-case scenario, Syria or Gaza.
Israeli officials recognise the strength of the Turkish navy and do not intend to ignore its activities.
Syria seen as key area of concern
The report identifies Syria as the area where Israel sees the greatest potential danger from Turkey.
The IDF recently struck a Syrian air base in an effort to prevent Turkey from installing a new radar system or other assets that could affect Israel’s freedom of military action.
Israel has also strongly opposed Turkish involvement in the International Stabilization Force, a proposed peacekeeping entity for the Gaza Strip.
According to The Jerusalem Post, Israeli officials believe Turkey has a particularly strong commitment to the Syrian regime, which they view as being rooted in religious considerations. Ankara’s position on Gaza, by contrast, is described as being more broadly connected to regional influence.
Israel and Egypt could coordinate
The report also examines the possibility of closer cooperation between Israel and Egypt as both countries monitor Turkey’s growing regional and maritime influence.
Israeli defence sources reportedly see an opportunity for Cairo and Jerusalem to work together to counterbalance Ankara’s naval ambitions.
The two countries have previously participated in international naval exercises, although neither has faced a serious challenge from the other in the Mediterranean.
However, Egypt’s developing relationship with Turkey has introduced uncertainty.
Egypt and Turkey deepen military ties
Egyptian Defence Minister Ashraf Salem Zaher travelled to Ankara on July 13, a move that some observers interpreted as evidence of a significant shift in eastern Mediterranean geopolitics.
Turkey and Egypt had previously been deeply divided, largely because of opposing positions on the Muslim Brotherhood and the political upheaval in Egypt between 2012 and 2013.
Their relationship has improved in recent months, with Cairo gaining access to Turkish military technology while Ankara gains a regional partner for its maritime ambitions.
According to the report, military cooperation has also expanded beyond diplomatic engagement, with joint exercises demonstrating closer operational coordination.
Turkey’s Anatolian Eagle air exercises included Egyptian pilots training in simulated high-threat environments, followed by Egypt’s Golden Eagle special forces exercises focused on command interoperability.
Cyprus and Greece could join efforts
Israeli Navy sources reportedly believe Egypt’s concerns about Turkey gaining a maritime advantage could align with Israeli interests.
Egypt remains sensitive to developments involving Libya and other areas where its interests may differ significantly from those of Turkey.
According to The Jerusalem Post, Egypt could potentially cooperate with Israel, Cyprus and Greece to counterbalance Turkish activity in the region.
In late June, Greek Navy Chief Vice-Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras visited Israel and met Israeli Navy Chief Vice-Admiral Eyal Harel. The meeting included Israel’s Shayetet 13 special forces, with the two sides reportedly strengthening cooperation mechanisms between their navies.
The evolving regional dynamics could therefore see Israel, Cyprus and Greece deepen coordination, while the future relationship between Egypt and Turkey remains a key factor in the eastern Mediterranean.
Also read: Greece and Israel sign deal for “Achilles’ Shield” defence system
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