President Trump told Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu he can solve any problems with Turkey if both sides stay “reasonable.” This came during a meeting where Trump praised Turkey’s leader Erdogan for being “tough” and “smart,” especially for Turkey’s role in Syria after the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad.
Turkey and Israel have been clashing over Syria’s new government, which Turkey helped create. Israel fears Turkey’s growing power there could lead to direct conflict. Trump said he has “great relations” with Erdogan and believes he can negotiate peace between the two nations.
Trump highlighted Erdogan’s success in Syria, saying Turkey “took over” the country through allies. This worries Israel, which sees Turkish-backed forces in Syria as a threat. Netanyahu admitted relations with Turkey have soured but said Trump’s mediation could prevent escalation.
Conservative analysts warn Turkey’s ambitions mirror Iran’s expansionism, risking a new Middle East rivalry. The Nagel Committee, an Israeli defense group, urged military readiness for possible clashes with Turkey. Some compare Erdogan’s actions to Ottoman Empire nostalgia, threatening regional stability.
Trump’s offer to mediate reflects his “America First” approach, prioritizing strong alliances over foreign entanglements. His praise for Erdogan’s toughness aligns with conservative values of respecting decisive leaders, even controversial ones. Critics argue this risks emboldening Turkey’s anti-Israel stance.
The two nations have a rocky history, with Turkey often siding with Hamas and condemning Israeli military actions. Recent trade freezes and threats of invasion by Erdogan have deepened the rift. Trump’s push for “reasonableness” aims to prevent Syria from becoming a battleground for U.S. allies.
Experts note Turkey’s economic ties with Israel could curb hostility, but Erdogan’s Islamist roots and support for Hamas remain red flags. Conservatives stress vigilance, urging Israel to balance diplomacy with military preparedness.
Trump’s intervention highlights the value of U.S. leadership in navigating volatile alliances. While optimistic about a deal, conservatives caution that Turkey’s ambitions require firm limits to protect Israeli security and regional stability.
