In recent times, Israeli and pro-Israel Greek accounts have been vocal about Türkiye posing a threat to not only them, but the entire world. The bizarre increase in this rhetoric comes as the war on Iran knocks US prestige to an all time low.
Just over a hundred years ago, the sun was setting on the Ottoman Empire. Stagnant for several centuries, the once mighty empire was fractured and weak. After the defeat of the Central Powers in World War One, a plan to divide what remained of the Ottoman Empire was prepared. Only a small state would be left for the Turks along the Black Sea. This plan, the Treaty of Sevres, was foiled and the coalition of forces fighting for control over Anatolia were utterly humiliated by Ataturk and his men. This dashed the hopes of Greek control over western Anatolia and Istanbul, a pain that lives in the hearts of many ultra nationalist Greeks; One which Israeli agitators wish to exploit.
As the US-Israeli war on Iran falters, one thing is becoming apparent. Israeli dominance over the Middle East simply isn’t viable. This is despite having F-35s and arguably the best air defence network in active use. This is the strongest Israel has been and backed by the full force of the US military might, they were able to inflict heavy damage on Iran. However, they couldn’t anticipate Iran’s costly retaliation. Against all odds Iran is not only still standing, but they chinked the US’s armour. A political crisis is brewing in the US as a result of this, and it has Israeli lobbyists horribly concerned about their future with Türkiye.
Why Türkiye frightens Israel both militarily and politically.
The Turkish Armed Forces has a long history of being highly capable, disciplined and motivated. It’s also the second largest military in NATO.
In comparison to Iran, the Turkish military is far more advanced. In recent times it revolutionized warfare, with the 2020 drone wars. Since then, it has innovated across the board, steadily building up one of the most capable and up-to-date militaries in the world. Though in need of manned stealth fighters, unmanned stealth platforms are already beginning to trickle into the inventory; Backed by countless other unmanned platforms, a growing missile stock, a highly capable navy, all fitted with advanced electronics. The Turkish Armed Forces would be a nightmare to fight, even with a full coalition.
In recent times, Türkiye has gained clout amongst the Muslim world. It’s provided weapons and been a stabilizing force across the Middle East and Africa. This has helped Erdogan domestically; however, it’s also been exploited by Israel as evidence that Türkiye is trying to resurrect the Ottoman Empire.
Israel is now attempting to play the religion card. By depicting Türkiye as a backwards, Islamic nation, they wish to gain the support of Western Christians. However, this simply won’t work. Despite the CIA’s efforts to Islamize Türkiye throughout the cold war with agents such as Fetullah Gulen, combined with Erdogan’s constant push for more religion, Türkiye firmly remains secular. This threatens Israel’s claim of being the most modern nation in the region and completely shatters one of its biggest PR strengths. Instead, as Anti-Semitism grows in the west, Jews are being likened to Muslims in terms of being a threat and Israel is seen as more radical than ever before.
The US out and Greece in
As the US public begins to shun Israel, Greece is being courted as Israel’s next great ally. To maintain their position in the Middle East, Israel is counting on Greece to pressure Türkiye; offering billions in weapon systems. Following announcements of this alliance, some Israeli officials, former politicians and a sea of bot accounts and propagandists have been spreading threats of conflict. This includes an uptick in Anti-Turkish posts by both Israeli and Greek accounts, some of which are part of the Esther Project.
This desperate attempt to stir up support is, however, not going according to plan. Not only are American’s completely against it, but many Greeks are also calling it out as a trap.
Erdogan and Netanyahu’s reign over their nations has unsurprisingly seen these two former allies at loggerheads with each other. This tension isn’t good for either nation. But ultimately though Israel is daring, it can’t afford a direct conflict with Türkiye, even with the help of allies.
