Tensions Rise as Israeli Strike in Qatar Sparks Fears in Turkiye:

An Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas officials in Qatar has triggered alarm in Turkiye, with officials in Ankara warning that the attack could signal a dangerous new phase in Israel’s military strategy. On Thursday, September 11, 2025, Turkish Defence Ministry spokesman Rear Adm. Zeki Akturk strongly condemned the strike, warning that Israel may "further expand its reckless attacks" and risk dragging the entire region into chaos. The unprecedented strike in Doha, which Israel claims targeted senior Hamas figures, marks a dramatic escalation—especially as it took place on the soil of a close U.S. ally and Gaza ceasefire mediator. Qatar called the attack “cowardly,” and the move has raised serious concerns across the region, particularly in Turkiye, where tensions with Israel have been steadily mounting since the 2023 Gaza war. Deepening Divide Between Turkiye and Israel Once regional allies, Turkiye and Israel have seen their ties deteriorate over the past decade, reaching a new low following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel and the brutal war that followed in Gaza. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military campaign, accusing it of committing genocide and comparing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler. Erdogan's government openly supports the Palestinian cause and maintains relationships with Hamas, whose officials frequently visit and reside in Turkiye. The Qatar strike has fueled fears in Ankara that Turkiye could be Israel's next target, especially as both nations increasingly vie for influence in neighboring Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime last year. Military Concerns and Regional Strategy Turkiye, a NATO member and one of the alliance’s most powerful militaries after the U.S., has begun reinforcing its defense systems. In recent months, Erdogan inaugurated Turkiye’s new “Steel Dome” air defense network and accelerated the development of the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet. Experts suggest Israel’s ability to strike across the region—hitting targets in Iran, Syria, Yemen, and now Qatar—has set a troubling precedent. “Israel’s actions are deeply worrying for Ankara,” said Serhat Suha Cubukcuoglu of the Trends Research and Advisory. “Turkiye views these attacks as part of a broader Israeli strategy to weaken neighboring states and assert regional dominance.” Although a direct Israeli strike on Turkiye is considered unlikely, experts warn of other potential threats such as covert operations targeting Hamas-linked individuals on Turkish soil. Flashpoints: Syria and the Eastern Mediterranean The growing rivalry between Turkiye and Israel is also playing out in Syria, where both countries back opposing sides. Turkiye supports the new interim government formed after Assad’s fall, while Israel has launched repeated airstrikes to protect its interests, particularly near the southern border and in Druze-populated areas. There are additional concerns that Israel may seek closer ties with Greece and Cyprus to counter Turkiye's military influence in the eastern Mediterranean. The Road Ahead: Diplomacy or Confrontation? While Turkiye boosts its military posture, Ankara is also keeping diplomatic channels open. Talks in April between Israeli and Turkish officials explored establishing a de-escalation mechanism in Syria. Erdogan is expected to visit Qatar this weekend for a summit of Arab and Muslim leaders, aiming to consolidate regional support. However, the strike in Doha has left many wondering: how far is Israel willing to go in its pursuit of Hamas—and will Turkiye be next?

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