Ex-Mossad official: Turkey unlikely to risk military clash with Israel despite Erdogan's ambitions

Former Mossad counterterrorism division head Oded Eilam stated that a military confrontation between Israel and Turkey is highly unlikely, despite Turkish President Erdogan's long-term strategy of regional expansion. In an interview with 103FM, Eilam said neither side is interested in a military clash, which would contradict Erdogan's plan of "creeping annexation" across the region.

Former Mossad counterterrorism division head Oded Eilam stated that a military confrontation between Israel and Turkey is highly unlikely, despite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's long-term strategy of regional expansion. In an interview with 103FM on Friday, Eilam said war between the two countries is not on the horizon, as neither side is interested in a military clash at present. He described Erdogan's strategy as a multiyear plan of "creeping annexation" across Libya, Somalia, Africa, and Gaza, which Erdogan would not jeopardize through a confrontation with Israel, one of the region's greatest powers. Eilam praised Israel for drawing a clear line with Turkey after a violation of the status quo in Syria involving an advanced system that would have disrupted Israeli Air Force flights to Iran. He noted that Erdogan "is not eager for battle" and recognizes Israeli power, though he has built the most impressive navy in the Mediterranean, which poses a threat to Europe. Eilam also highlighted Erdogan's control over the refugee gateway, receiving $200 million to $250 million annually to keep refugees from flooding into Europe, a fact that terrifies Europeans. He concluded by criticizing US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack for inflammatory rhetoric.