Turkey was the first Muslim-majority country to recognise Israel, and in the 1990s the two armies trained together. Today Turkey's president calls Israel's war in Gaza a genocide and its prime minister a war criminal to be arrested; Israel's government calls Turkey's president an antisemite and a sponsor of Hamas. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad the quarrel has acquired a place where it could turn violent: Syria, where Turkey is the new government's patron and Israel bombs to keep Turkish forces out.
Turkey's wider position and each side's full account: Turkey's independent course.
Where it stands · September 2026
In September 2026 twelve nations imposed sanctions on Israeli settlements, measures welcomed by Türkiye and Palestine. Israel and Greece held joint naval drills. Türkiye carried out raids on an international fraud network linked to Israel. Netanyahu ordered preparation of a case at the International Criminal Court against Erdogan over Kurds and Hamas funding, and demanded a probe into Erdogan, seeking the case despite an arrest warrant outstanding against Netanyahu himself.
What the dispute is about
Gaza and the Palestinians. Erdogan has made himself their loudest advocate among heads of government, and has hosted Hamas's political leaders for years. Israel regards that as support for the organisation that attacked it.
Syria. Turkey wants a strong central government in Damascus with an army it trains. Israel wants southern Syria demilitarised and no Turkish radars, aircraft or air defences that could limit its freedom to fly over Syria towards Iran.
Washington. Both are American allies. Turkey wants the F-35 aircraft it was denied; Israel lobbies against the sale. The present American president calls both leaders terrific.
