Turkey watches Israel-Greece military alliance, prepares for ‘crisis, tension and war’

Turkey is reportedly concerned about the growing military alliance between Israel and Greece and believes it could alter the balance of power in the Middle East.

In a letter to a Turkish parliamentarian dated Aug. 10, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler wrote that Turkey is preparing for a “possible crisis, tension, and war,” according to Nordic Monitor.

The rapid modernization of the Greek military includes the acquisition of advanced Israeli weapons and air-defense systems, as well as U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets. Earlier this year, Greece and Israel signed a defense and security cooperation agreement covering cyber threats, counter-drone capabilities, defense technology and joint military exercises. The agreement is part of a broader defense network involving Cyprus and U.S. forces in the eastern Mediterranean.

At the same time, Turkey is expanding its naval capabilities, with 47 warships currently under construction. The Turkish military buildup has also raised concerns in Greece and Israel.

Addressing regional tensions on Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Turkey must remain strong and united.

“When necessary, we can put everything else aside. But when it comes to our homeland and the future of our state and nation, we bow to no one,” Erdoğan said. “In this region, we have no choice but to remain strong, united, and standing together.”

“Those who believe they can halt the progress of Turkey and the Turkish nation through provocations and schemes will be disappointed,” he added. “We will not change our course or be diverted by the provocations of others.”

Meanwhile, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis warned Turkey that the era of Greek “passive diplomatic stagnation” was over.

“We will do whatever is necessary. We will respond to provocations, and we will respond from a position of strength,” he vowed.

Relations between Turkey and Israel, once relatively strong, have deteriorated sharply since the Hamas terror on Oct. 7, 2023, in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. The Erdoğan government has refused to condemn Hamas and has emerged as a major supporter of the terrorist organization.

Turkey and Israel are also at odds over Ankara’s efforts to establish a military presence in Syria, which Israel views as a national security threat.