Why do Erdogan and Israel need each other right now?
An analysis by Prof. Muhammad Watad on Israel-Turkey relations, arguing that beneath the rhetorical conflict lies a network of shared strategic interests. The article examines Turkey's use of legal warfare, shared interests in the Syrian and Caucasian arenas, and the role of the United States as a restraining factor. The author proposes an Israeli strategy including strengthening maritime alliances with Greece and Cyprus, legislation against foreign funding in East Jerusalem, a dialogue channel with Washington, and coordination with Saudi Arabia.
Prof. Muhammad Watad, president of the Academic College of Ramat Gan, analyzes Israel-Turkey relations and argues that despite the rhetorical conflict, the two countries share existential strategic interests. The article examines Turkey's use of 'legal warfare' as a tactical tool that does not break the rules of the game, and shared interests in preventing a security vacuum in Syria and Lebanon and curbing Shiite expansion. Watad notes the quiet cooperation in the Caucasus through Azerbaijan and the role of the United States as a shared Western anchor. He argues that the joint defense agreement between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan does not change the threat map facing Israel, but rather binds Turkey to a security architecture designed to prevent escalation. The article proposes an Israeli strategy in four arenas: maritime (strengthening the alliance with Greece and Cyprus), domestic (legislation against foreign funding in East Jerusalem), American (a dedicated strategic-intelligence dialogue channel), and Saudi (close coordination in East Jerusalem and intelligence sharing).