The article, written in Spanish, examines how tensions have intensified amid conflicts in Gaza and Iran, political changes in Syria and efforts by both countries to strengthen regional alliances.
Elon University Professor of Political Science and Public Policy Baris Kesgin provided analysis for a recent international news article in El Mercurio examining the growing rivalry between Israel and Turkey as both countries seek to expand their military and diplomatic influence across the Middle East.
“This rivalry is one that emerged, possibly, after the Arab Spring and intensified in recent months following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and the ongoing conflict surrounding the Persian Gulf,” Kesgin said.
Kesgin, an expert on Turkish and Israeli foreign policy and political leadership, said the relationship has evolved beyond diplomatic disagreements.
“At this moment, each side perceives the other as a security threat rather than a difficult partner,” he said.
Kesgin identified Syria as a particularly important potential flashpoint, pointing to recent Israeli military action at a Syrian air base where a possible Turkish deployment had raised concerns.