The clash that almost erupted in the air: How Turkey is becoming a growing threat to Israel

A former senior security official recalls a visit by Ehud Barak to Turkey 18 years ago and analyzes the deterioration in relations to open hostility. The article describes Turkey's military presence in Syria as a threat to Israel's freedom of action, while mentioning a near air confrontation between the countries. However, constraints on Turkey are noted due to its NATO membership, dependence on the US, and economic interests.

A veteran senior security official recounts a trip 18 years ago, when Ehud Barak served as Defense Minister and met with Erdogan, then Prime Minister of Turkey. The security-intelligence relationship was deep and close at the time. Since then, Erdogan has radicalized his positions, turning Turkey into a clearly rival regional power to Israel, accompanied by anti-Semitic accusations and attempts to sever commercial ties. The article describes al-Sharaa's Syria as a Turkish puppet and Turkey's military presence in Syria as a threat to Israel's freedom of action. US Ambassador to Ankara, Tom Barak, said a near air confrontation occurred between Israel and Turkey over the bombing in Idlib. However, factors limiting Turkey are mentioned: its NATO membership, dependence on the US, economic interests such as oil and gas pipelines, and its role in persuading Hamas regarding the hostage deal. The article emphasizes that the Erdogan government is hostile to Israel and provides patronage to Hamas, but its connection to the US and NATO makes it difficult to fully realize its ideology.