Increasing threats from Turkey escalate Israel tensions
The Israeli security agency thwarted a planned terrorist attack that was to be carried out by Hamas from Turkey. This incident is another warning about the increasing threat to Israel, highlighting the escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
The Israeli security agency, Shin Bet, reported the prevention of a terrorist attack in the West Bank that was to be organized by Hamas members operating from Turkey. Turkey is becoming an increasing threat to Israel, as confirmed by recent events.
In January and February, Israeli forces detained six members of a local Hamas cell in Nablus. The investigation revealed that the group was directed by Hamas members residing in Turkey, who provided them with tens of thousands of dollars to organize attacks on Israeli security forces.
Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, carried out the largest terrorist attack in Israel’s history on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people. This attack initiated the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas leadership has been in exile for years, primarily in Qatar, and receives support from Iran and Turkey. The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has repeatedly emphasized that Ankara does not recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization, but instead views it as a Palestinian liberation movement.
In 2024, there were rumors that Qatar might expel the highest leadership of Hamas, which could prompt the movement’s leaders to relocate to Turkey. Relations between Turkey and Israel deteriorated after the outbreak of the war in the Gaza Strip, with Erdogan accusing Israel of genocide and comparing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler.
Increasing tensions between Turkey and Israel
Turkey has imposed an embargo on trade with Israel and supports the new Syrian authorities, which Israel considers a threat to its security. A commission advising the Israeli government warned that Syria could become dependent on Ankara, potentially leading to a direct confrontation between Israel and Turkey.
In recent decades, Israel has faced threats primarily from Iran and its allies, but now Turkey may assume that role. As noted by "Israel Hayom", the situation in the Middle East may further escalate.
