Ex-US envoy: Türkiye sees no 'political value' in Israel enmity

Former US Ambassador to Türkiye Francis J. Ricciardone said Ankara derives no particular "political value" from fueling hostility toward Israel, asserting that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza reflects genuine conviction rather than domestic political calculation. Speaking on Al Jazeera's This Is America program, Ricciardone contrasted the political dynamics in Ankara and Jerusalem.

"(Turkish President Recep Tayyip) Erdogan, I don't believe, has a particular political value in fomenting enmity with Israel, hostility, preaching to the Turks that we have an enemy and all that," he said. The former envoy added that Erdogan genuinely opposes Israel's treatment of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, and has maintained this position consistently over time.

Contrast with Israeli leadership

By contrast, Ricciardone suggested that creating a perception that Israel is at war with another party could carry political value for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of upcoming electoral contests. "We'll see what happens in the elections that come up," he said, referring to Israel's legislative elections scheduled for October.