Türkiye's Mediterranean influence constrains Israel's regional ambitions

Türkiye’s expanding military and diplomatic influence in the Eastern Mediterranean is reportedly constraining Israel’s regional strategic ambitions. According to reports from Israeli media, including the Jerusalem Post, Israel’s security establishment is closely monitoring Ankara’s growing footprint, particularly following the 2019 maritime boundaries agreement between Türkiye and Libya.

The 2019 agreement established a maritime corridor that effectively bypasses several Greek islands, such as Crete and Rhodes, and has been described by some observers as dividing the Mediterranean. Türkiye’s military support for Libya has further strengthened its position, providing Ankara with a presence in Libyan ports, an expanded aerial footprint, and rights to explore energy resources in the region.

These developments pose potential challenges to planned regional energy projects, specifically a proposed natural gas pipeline intended to connect Israel with the Greek Cypriot administration and Greece before reaching European markets. Türkiye has maintained that any projects crossing its maritime jurisdiction require its consent. Israeli officials expressed concern that these shifts could impact maritime routes, noting that 98% of Israel’s imports are conducted via sea.