All Eyes on Turkeys President Erdogan!

Henry Jakubowicz
Sep 9
3 min read

At MomentfromIsrael, I try to look not only at what happens inside #Israel, but also at the wider region shaping our reality. While the world often focuses on Iran - Turkey under President Erdogan has been quietly expanding its influence in ways that directly impact Israel’s security.

This post is not a full political analysis, but a collection of thoughts — an invitation to connect the dots.

A Palace of a Thousand Rooms and more

Erdogan's palace in Ankara reportedly has over a thousand rooms (!), compared to just 132 in the White House. More than a symbol of grandeur, it reflects a vision of power. The question is: what dream does this palace represent — and where is it leading Turkey?

Cyprus: The First “Temporary” Occupation

In 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, seizing 37 percent of the island. Nine years later, the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” was declared — recognized only by Turkey. For the rest of the world, it remains occupied territory. Half a century on, Turkey has not left, showing that “temporary” in Ankara’s vocabulary often means permanent.

Syria: From Buffer Zone to Permanent Control

In 2016, Turkey entered northern Syria to create a security buffer. Almost ten years later, it still controls territory, runs schools, and manages local administrations. What was framed as a short-term operation has turned into long-term dominance.

Expanding Military Footprints Abroad

The same story repeats elsewhere. In 2019, Turkey established bases in Iraq and Somalia. Turkish troops also are stationed in Qatar. Most of the moves was presented as temporary, but none have been reversed. Instead, Turkey is entrenching itself across the Middle East.

The Turkey–Qatar Axis

Central to this expansion is the Ankara–Doha partnership. Qatar provides the money, Turkey the army and construction firms. Together, they reshape parts of Syria: refugees are to be resettled, reconstruction contracts go to Erdogan's allies, and the financing comes from Doha. It’s a mix of politics, economics, and strategy.

Playing the Trump Card

During Donald Trump’s presidency, Erdogan positioned himself as the strongman capable of stabilizing northern Syria. By promising to create a terror-free zone, he encourages the U.S. to reduce its military footprint in the region, advancing one of Trump’s campaign promises. This was more than a tactical maneuver; it shows Erdogan's ability to use personal diplomacy to achieve broader strategic aims.

Beyond Regional Politics: The Ottoman Dream

These moves are more than normal power politics. Erdogan draws on the dream of reviving Ottoman influence and positioning Turkey as a new caliphate aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood. This explains why Hamas leaders are welcomed in Ankara as well as in Doha, even after the terror attack of 07.10.2023.

Why Israel Must Pay Attention

For Israel, this is not theoretical. Turkey’s presence in Syria puts its forces close to the Golan Heights. Its open support for #Hamas strengthens one of Israel’s enemies. And Erdogan's constant references to Jerusalem and al-Aqsa as Islamic “red lines” show that he places Israel at the heart of his political mission. Meanwhile, Europe and the U.S. remain silent, reluctant to confront a #NATO ally — silence that only emboldens Ankara.

Conclusion: All Eyes on Turkey - NOW!

Erdogan has turned temporary occupations into permanent realities, partnered with Qatar to fund his ambitions, and tied his vision to Islamist movements. His goal is not just regional influence, but a revival of Ottoman and Islamic leadership. For Israel, ignoring this would be a mistake. The Middle East is not shaped only by Iran. Turkey, too, is reshaping it — step by step. Now is the time to pay attention. All eyes on Turkey and President Erdogan's real vision!

For those who are looking for a more detailed analysis about Turkeys involvement in Syria I recommend this article from the Alma Research and Education Center