Türkiye to block NATO-Israel military drills until permanent truce in Gaza

Türkiye announced that it will prevent any further cooperation, including military drills, between Israel and NATO until a permanent cease-fire is established in Gaza. This decision was confirmed by Turkish official sources, who spoke with Middle East Eye on Monday.

The unfolding events occurred after the Israeli press recently reported that Türkiye had blocked Israel’s participation in NATO’s annual exercise set for September in Bulgaria.

Sources from Israel specified that Türkiye had indeed blocked Israel’s participation in the drills once more. Türkiye has been blocking Israel’s participation in NATO activities for over a year.

The source further outlined to Middle East Eye that, due to Türkiye’s veto power within NATO, no new activities or engagements involving Israel would be allowed until a permanent cease-fire in Gaza is reached and humanitarian aid barriers are removed.

Turkish-Israeli relations continue drifting to new lows

Ankara has been opposing Israel’s ongoing activities in Gaza. Following Hamas’ attack on Israel in Oct. 7, 2023, Israel’s response has led to the deaths of nearly 50,000 Palestinians.

Due to Israel’s actions in Gaza, Ankara has taken measures and distanced itself from Tel Aviv, which have included legal and trade actions. In May 2024, Türkiye suspended trade with Israel, citing the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.  Türkiye ruled that the events unfolding in Gaza amount to genocide, aiding in the International Court of Justice trials.

Without a conclusion to the situation in Gaza, it remains to be seen when Turkish-Israeli relations will return to normal.