Turkey fears becoming next target after Israel strike

Photo:Reuters

Turkey is growing increasingly worried that it could be Israel’s next target after a recent Israeli airstrike in Qatar hit a meeting of Hamas officials. The attack has raised alarms in Ankara, the capital, with Turkish officials warning that Israel may continue its aggressive operations in the region.

A spokesperson for the Turkish Defence Ministry, Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk, said on September 11, 2025, that Israel’s “reckless attacks” could drag not only the region but also Israel itself into a broader conflict. He emphasized that Ankara is closely watching developments after the strike in Qatar, which targeted Hamas leaders.

Israel and Turkey were once strong partners in the Middle East, but relations between the two countries have deteriorated since the late 2000s. Tensions reached an all-time high following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and the ongoing war in Gaza. Over time, disagreements over regional influence and military operations in Syria have added to the strain.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has consistently supported the Palestinian cause, including backing Hamas. Erdogan has openly criticized Israel and its Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing them of committing acts comparable to genocide. He has even compared Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler, making Turkey a vocal critic of Israeli policies in Gaza.

Hamas leaders frequently travel to Turkey, and some have made the country their temporary home. Israel has accused Turkey of allowing Hamas to plan attacks, raise funds, and recruit members from Turkish soil. The Qatar strike further highlighted Turkey’s concerns, given Erdogan’s close ties to Qatar’s leaders and Turkey’s strong military and commercial relationships with the Gulf nation. Erdogan is scheduled to travel to Qatar for an Arab and Muslim leaders’ summit, increasing the stakes of the ongoing tensions.

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Experts warn that Israel’s ability to conduct strikes across the region, sometimes bypassing air defenses, sets a worrying precedent for Ankara. Turkey perceives these actions as part of a broader Israeli strategy to weaken or control neighboring countries and create a buffer zone around itself.

Turkey, however, has significant military advantages over Qatar. As a NATO member, Turkey benefits from collective security and possesses the second-largest armed forces in NATO, after the United States. It has been actively modernizing its defense capabilities, including increasing missile production, launching the “Steel Dome” integrated air defense system, and fast-tracking its KAAN fifth-generation fighter project.

While a direct Israeli strike on Turkish territory is considered unlikely, experts warn that small-scale attacks on potential Hamas targets within Turkey by Israeli agents cannot be completely ruled out. This concern could further strengthen Turkey’s support for Hamas, as Ankara believes abandoning the group would reduce its regional influence. By maintaining a firm stance, Turkey reinforces its image as a defender of Palestinian causes against Israeli aggression.

Tensions are also playing out in Syria, where both Israel and Turkey have competing interests. Since the fall of Assad’s government in December, Turkey has supported the new interim government in Syria, seeking to expand its influence. Israel, wary of Turkey’s military presence and alliances in Syria, has conducted multiple airstrikes and positioned itself as a protector of minority groups in the region. Analysts warn that conflicts between Turkey and Israel in Syria could escalate further, potentially involving Turkish troops or allies.

Turkey has responded with a mix of deterrence and diplomacy. Officials from both countries held talks in April to establish a “de-escalation mechanism” in Syria. Despite these efforts, the recent Qatar strike shows that Israel is willing to act without restraint, even against nations closely allied with the United States.

Erdogan also hopes that Washington will take a firm stance against any Israeli attacks on Turkish territory. While Israel seeks US backing, Erdogan has often received praise from US leadership for his policies in Syria, highlighting that strong ties with the United States do not guarantee protection against Israeli military actions.

The strike on Hamas officials in Qatar has sent a clear message to Turkey: there may be no limit to Israel’s operations, and Ankara must remain vigilant. In response, Turkey continues to strengthen its military capabilities while using diplomacy to avoid a direct conflict, signaling that it is prepared to defend its national interests and protect Hamas leaders who are under its watch.