Are Turkey and Israel on the Brink of War?

Are Turkey and Israel on the brink of war? Once close allies with deep military and intelligence ties, the two countries have seen their relationship deteriorate over the past two decades. Following Erdogan’s rise to power in 2002, Ankara began pivoting towards the Arab world and became increasingly vocal in its criticism of Israel, particularly over its treatment of Palestinians. Key flashpoints, including the 2010 Gaza flotilla raid and the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, have only worsened ties. The latest collapse came in late 2024, when Turkey severed diplomatic relations following Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Now, tensions are dangerously high as both countries expand their military roles in Syria. Turkey, backing a new Syrian administration after Assad’s fall, has increased its presence, while Israel has launched airstrikes against Turkish-linked targets, accusing Ankara of turning Syria into a protectorate. Although a direct war is not guaranteed, the possibility of clashes in Syria—through drone strikes, artillery, and proxy forces—is very real. This episode explores how a once-powerful alliance has turned into a potential flashpoint in the Middle East, and what it could mean for regional stability if two major powers like Israel and Turkey head toward open confrontation.

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*VIDEO CHAPTERS*
00:00 Introduction and Titles
01:33 Israel and Turkey: Location and Population
02:05 The Development of Turkey-Israel Relations, 1948-1990
04:00 Turkey-Israel Relations: From Golden Age to Collapse
06:28 Efforts to Improve Turkish-Israeli Relations, 2013-2023
07:43 Growing Israel-Turkey Tensions over Gaza and Syria
09:30 Are Turkey and Israel Headed for War?

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#Turkey #Israel #War

[JamesKerLindsay]

The growing tensions between Israel and Turkey are a genuine cause for concern. Any confrontation has the potential to escalate dramatically. And even if it doesn’t lead to direct conflict between Turkish and Israeli forces, it could destabilise Syria and reignite its civil war. So what do you think will happen? Will the two countries clash? If so, will we see an open conflict? Or will it remain a proxy struggle? And would - or could - the US still be the crucial crisis manager in any such situation? As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments below.

[kadrikarakoc]

There is 10 millions of Syrian refugees living in Turkiye rn and we need to build and stabilize Syria for send them back. Can someone explaind what Israel doing in Syria exactly?

[arvelyt]

As a Syrian we want Turkey to stay in Syria and protect us. We already lost 35% of our water supply after Israel invaded deeper into Syrian territories

[YusufOnder]

Israel has no business interfering in Syria. Türkiye has provided significant support to Syrians, welcoming many into the country, and naturally has every right to assist in rebuilding Syria. Israel may think of itself as the new leader of the Middle East, but let’s be clear: it poses no real threat to us. Without external support, Israel struggles even against a people without proper weapons. So, Israel, step back.

[ferittuzer]

So Israel can impede a sovereign nation's agreements with other countries that have no effect on them? The Syrian government has all the right to let any country use those bases. How does the world allow Israel to attack a country like this?

[kursatyildiz-rhcl]

I don’t think Isreal ever got in a conflict with a country like Turkey. Without the help of USA they have no chance

[blackwatertv]

I feel like we’re gonna likely see a proxy war between these two rather than open conflict..

[tasbykekerey]

Support Türkiye from Kazakhstan! 🇹🇷🤘🏼🇰🇿

[ahuvah]

Wrong information. I would like to correct something. The ships in 2011 did not belong to Türkiye alone. They were part of a plan created by a global coalition of activists aiming to break the blockade in Gaza, where citizens from dozens of countries were gathered. There were 6 ships. If I remember correctly, only 2 of the ships belonged to Türkiye. And Israel only carried out an armed attack on a Turkish ship in international waters.
Name of the organization. Gaza Freedom Flotilla. and They actualy still working for same perpauce right now.

[Rambo-su]

How many Syrian refugees live in Isr ael?
How many Syrian refugees live in Turkiye?
New Syrian government invited Turkiye, who invited Is rael ?

[mmx]

There is no such state as "Kurdistan" within Türkiye's territorial waters, and there has never been one throughout history. The video creator has clearly attempted to divide the national state of Türkiye into imaginary, non-existent countries, and has drawn or shared maps to support this. The video creator is blatantly spreading misleading and false information and statements.

[echarts]

Neither side wants to be in a war against each other. From Turkish perspective, I can say that while most of people here are critical of Israel's actions, only a very few people want to be in a war outside Turkish borders against any country which makes sense.

[davedavids]

The chances of an actual conflict between official recognised Israeli and Turkish militaries is basically zero. Neither side want it, Turkey knows the USA wouldn't tolerate it. Israel knows it couldn't beat the Turkish government and would just create another enemy (one closer and more powerful than Iran). Will there be fighting between proxies, most likely but actual militaries isn't going to happen. Even if it did accidentally both countries would likely deny it. It's geopolitically unthinkable for both sides.

[dario]

Glad to see you talking about Israel. I think they’re so important to international relations because they are one of the West’s biggest points of hypocrisy. Israel shines a light on how we are willing to ignore breaches of international law in certain cases.

[turkish_german_english]

Turkiye was never the Aggressor but if you attack Turkiye or want to disturb their ambitions then you will get trouble. Syria had enough war, they need peace and stability and Turkiye support them. Turkiye will build military bases there to secure Syria cause Syria haven't yet a functional military. If İsrael will continue to bomb Syria and try to occupy some regions then they have to mess with turkish Military. Don't test turkish patience !!

[Rambo-su]

It's all about the greater Israel project but Turkiye will never allow this.

[RickNz]

Whyd u delete lebanon from the map on your thumbnail, dont appreciate that

[Asamations]

I so hope this isn't the case. A war between the two would be devastating...

Excellent anaylsis James! And loved the video! Keep up the great work! I just wanted to say your thumbnail should have Lebanon as a country. I know other people have mentioned this but I will as well. Just so you know. :)

[Waludka]

Support Syria 💚🕊️
And Pray for Syrians in the occupied Golan 😢

[xchampionx]

Turkish nation hasn't got an army, Turkish army has a nation.

Better don't mess with them...