Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak strongly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for deliberately escalating tensions with Türkiye. Barak described Netanyahu’s policies as “irresponsible and foolish,” suggesting that the escalation was being driven by political calculations.
In a statement shared on his social media account, Barak argued that the current tensions between Türkiye and Israel were not necessary for Israel’s security. He suggested that Netanyahu’s approach, when considered alongside other security tensions causing concern among the public, appeared to reflect a political calculation aimed at paving the way for elections.
“There Is No Problem with Türkiye That Cannot Be Resolved”
Barak criticized the Netanyahu government’s approach, emphasizing that there are no strategic issues between Israel and Türkiye that cannot be resolved, eased or postponed through sensitive negotiations coordinated with the United States.
Barak said in his statement, “Netanyahu has completely lost the plot.”
Attack in Aleppo Escalates Tensions
Israel carried out airstrikes on Tuesday against the Abu Zuhur Military Airbase in Aleppo, located near the Turkish border.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office cited as the reason for the attack Syria’s move toward allowing Turkish forces to be stationed at the airbase, which Israel said would bring Syria close to violating security agreements with Israel. The statement said the possible presence of Turkish forces at the airbase would constitute a security threat to Israel and that Tel Aviv would not tolerate such a situation.
Türkiye condemned the attacks, while Tom Barrack, the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, described the Israeli strikes as an “unnecessary escalation.”
Barak’s remarks underscored the continuing criticism within Israel of the Netanyahu government’s policy toward Türkiye and highlighted the growing debate over the political dimension of regional tensions.
