Turkiye blocks Israel from participating in NATO military exercise

Turkiye has blocked Israel from participating in a NATO military exercise, in Ankara’s latest effort to prevent cooperation between the alliance and Tel Aviv over the occupation’s offensive in Gaza.

According to a report by Israeli paper Yedioth Ahronoth, which cited the Israeli foreign ministry on Sunday, Turkiye blocked Israel from taking part in an annual NATO military exercise focused on resilience, combat readiness and emergency preparedness.

Ankara reportedly did so by using its veto power – as a key member state in the military alliance – to attempt to exclude Tel Aviv, ensuring NATO does not unanimously accept Israeli participation in its exercises.

One unnamed Israeli official was quoted as stating that “Turkey’s position undermines regional cooperation and NATO’s ability to address global challenges”, and that “instead of promoting unity and collective security, Turkey is wielding its veto in a way that harms strategic partnerships”.

The official further stressed that “blocking Israel’s cooperation with NATO does not contribute to stability; rather, it undermines the alliance’s core values.”

Turkiye has repeatedly expressed its stance toward the contrary, however, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan having stated at a press conference at the NATO leaders’ summit in July last year that “it is not possible for the Israeli administration, which has trampled on the fundamental values ​​of our alliance, to continue its partnership relationship with NATO.”

The move marked the further deterioration of relations between Turkiye and Israel since Tel Aviv launched its offensive on the besieged Gaza Strip on 7 October 2023, with Erdogan stressing at the press conference that “until comprehensive, sustainable peace is established in Palestine, attempts at cooperation with Israel within NATO will not be approved by Turkiye.”

READ: Turkiye blocks NATO-Israel cooperation over Gaza war, sources say