Relations between Turkey and Israel often become the focus of sharp political statements and mutual criticism. However, these ties are so deep and interconnected that even aggressive rhetoric cannot have a real impact on them. This view is expressed by Turkologist Tiran Lokmagyozyan.
According to him, at the state level, relations are built on mutual interests and long-term calculations. He emphasizes that Turkey is among the countries where a so-called “deep state” operates, and it is within this framework that close ties with Israel are formed. These relations are reciprocal: both sides are interested in maintaining a certain level of cooperation regardless of public rhetoric.
“If the relations were truly at a conflict level, Turkey could use the energy infrastructure passing through its territory as leverage against Israel. However, such steps are not taken, which once again shows that beneath hostile rhetoric there is a real platform for cooperation,” he notes.
It is also notable that Israel’s response is mostly limited to defensive statements. Even when responses come from military circles, they do not turn into concrete actions against Turkey.
According to Lokmagyozyan, Turkey’s anti-Israel rhetoric is primarily directed at a domestic audience. It serves as a political tool to shape the image of an “external enemy” and strengthen the government’s internal position. In his view, there is a constant demand in Turkey for such an image, even though real enemies capable of acting against the state hardly exist.
At the same time, this rhetoric also serves external purposes. Ankara seeks to position itself as one of the leaders of the Islamic world, presenting itself as a defender of Islam, especially its Sunni branch. In this context, Turkey competes with countries such as Saudi Arabia, trying to expand its influence in the Arab and broader Islamic world.
Thus, according to the expert, Turkey–Israel relations should be viewed not only through political statements but also in the context of real interests and strategic interdependence.