Netanyahu Accused of Stoking Israeli‑Turkish Tensions for Personal Gain

Israeli analysts argue that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is portraying Turkey as a strategic enemy despite ongoing diplomatic relations, seemingly to serve his personal political interests. Dr. Michael Milshtein of Tel Aviv University's D‑Yan Center cited in the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, says the hostile rhetoric is not based on solid evidence and that Ankara does not seek a direct conflict with Israel.

Milshtein notes Turkey’s current government supports Hamas, expands its presence in Syria, and is pursuing an F‑35 fighter purchase that could challenge Israeli air superiority, but officials in Ankara deny any war plans. He adds that Israel’s oil imports from Azerbaijan transit Turkish territory and that many Israeli flights pass through Turkish airspace, making a rupture costly. Analysts contend that the intensified anti‑Turkey messaging is linked to Netanyahu’s electoral campaign and his effort to block the F‑35 deal, warning that the manufactured threat could damage Israel’s regional standing.

The commentary warns that such exaggerated threat narratives echo past Israeli political strategies, potentially undermining balanced security assessments.