Another front against Erdogan: The friction between the Turkish navy and Israeli naval vessels

The Israeli defense establishment is closely monitoring the growing Turkish presence in the eastern Mediterranean. Recently, Turkish navy ships have approached Israeli vessels in international waters, demonstrating their presence. The Turkish navy commander visited Syria and met with senior officials in Damascus, raising concerns in Israel about potential Turkish military cooperation with Syria.

The Israeli defense establishment is closely monitoring the growing presence and activity of the Turkish navy in the eastern Mediterranean basin. Recently, several incidents have been recorded in international waters where Turkish navy ships operated near Israeli vessels passing through the area. According to security sources, the Turkish ships attempted to demonstrate presence and power, and in several cases approached the Israeli ships. The incidents ended without unusual incidents, but the message received by the defense establishment is clear: the Turks know we are there and are signaling that they are there too. Turkish naval activity is occurring alongside the tightening of relations between Ankara and Damascus. In July, the Turkish navy commander arrived in Syria at the head of an official naval delegation and met with senior Syrian navy officials. The visit sparked considerable interest in Israel, where concerns are being expressed about the possibility of a Turkish foothold in the Syrian maritime arena and deepening military cooperation between the two countries. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Turkish presence in Syria yesterday (Wednesday) and made clear that Israel will not allow a military buildup that threatens it.