Israeli media slams Netanyahu over Turkish presence in Gaza ceasefire

Israeli media has unleashed sharp criticism against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government following the Gaza ceasefire agreement that facilitates Turkish humanitarian operations in the territory. The Times of Israel published a prominent analysis describing the presence of Turkish personnel under the peace agreement as a strategic setback for Israel and a significant gain for Türkiye's regional influence.

Strategic Concerns Over Turkish Presence

Analyst Ariel Harkham, in an October 22 commentary titled "The Turkish Trap in Gaza," characterized the sight of Turkish flags in Gaza as "a disastrous strategic failure" for Israel. He argued that allowing "an openly hostile Türkiye that has allied with Hamas and Islamist supporters to establish itself on Israel's southern border" essentially replaces one security threat with another, potentially more dangerous challenge to Israeli interests.

Netanyahu's Policy Under Fire

The criticism focuses on Netanyahu's acceptance of arrangements that position Türkiye as a significant actor in post-conflict Gaza. Harkham questioned who persuaded the Prime Minister to accept these terms, stating that "whoever opened Pandora's box bears ultimate responsibility" for creating conditions where "Türkiye's anti-Israel stance no longer appears to be a simple bluff." The analysis reflects broader concerns within Israeli security circles about long-term strategic implications.

Regional Power Dynamics Shift

The commentary suggests the US-mediated peace plan has produced a "nightmare scenario" for Israel by replacing Iranian influence with Turkish presence in Gaza, thereby "mutating rather than eliminating the jihadist threat under new management." The analyst urged Israel to quickly reverse course and prevent Türkiye from becoming "a permanent element on the southern border," acknowledging that significant damage has already occurred to Israel's strategic position.