The Evolution of Turkish-Israeli Relations: Historical Foundations, Strategic Alliances and Contemporary Challenges

Abstract

This study examines the historical trajectory of Turkish-Israeli relations, focusing on political, military, and economic dynamics that have shaped their bilateral ties. The aim is to offer a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship by addressing earlier and contemporary phases that have received limited attention in existing studies. Adopting a qualitative methodology, the research is based on historical archives, diplomatic records, and scholarly sources. It addresses three research questions: how historical and geopolitical factors influenced the relationship, to what extent regional/global developments shaped cooperation or crises, and how domestic political changes affected foreign policy behavior. Findings suggest that national security interests and strategic pragmatism, rather than ideological affinity, have been the main drivers of bilateral relations. The study concludes that despite recurring diplomatic tensions, mutual geopolitical necessities have ensured the continuity of cooperation.

Keywords

• Türkiye-Israel Relations
• Middle East Diplomacy
• Foreign Policy
• Security Cooperation
• Regional Conflicts.

Türk-İsrail İlişkilerinin Evrimi: Tarihsel Temeller, Stratejik İttifaklar ve Güncel Zorluklar

Abstract

Bu çalışma, Türk-İsrail ilişkilerinin tarihsel gelişimini; siyasi, askerî ve ekonomik boyutlarıyla kapsamlı şekilde incelemektedir. Araştırmanın amacı, mevcut literatüre katkı sağlayacak şekilde, özellikle daha az ele alınan erken dönem ve güncel gelişmeler ışığında bu ikili ilişkinin dönüşümünü analiz etmektir. Nitel bir yöntemle yürütülen çalışmada diplomatik belgeler, tarihî kayıtlar ve akademik kaynaklar kullanılmıştır. Üç temel araştırma sorusu üzerinden; tarihsel-jeopolitik dinamiklerin, bölgesel ve küresel gelişmelerin ve iç siyasi değişimlerin Türk-İsrail ilişkilerine etkisi değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular, bu ilişkinin ideolojik benzerlikten çok güvenlik temelli çıkarlar ve stratejik pragmatizmle yönlendirildiğini ortaya koymaktadır. Çalışma, tekrarlayan diplomatik krizlere rağmen ortak güvenlik çıkarlarının iş birliğini sürdürülebilir kıldığını savunmaktadır.

Keywords

• Türkiye-İsrail İlişkileri
• Orta Doğu Diplomasisi
• Dış Politika
• Güvenlik İş Birliği
• Bölgesel Çatışmalar.

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