Turkiye on High Alert: Israel's Military Strikes Spark Fears of Next Target

Turkiye Fears Israel's Next Target Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - SEPTEMBER 21, 2025 - Turkiye has expressed concern that it may be the next target of Israeli military action in the Middle East, following a series of strikes against Qatar last week. According to sources close to the Turkish government, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's administration has been put on high alert after pro-Israel commentators began speculating about Turkiye's potential involvement. Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, was one such commentator who suggested that Turkiye could be Israel's next target. "We should not rely solely on NATO membership for protection," Rubin said in an interview with a Washington-based publication. "Turkiye has been increasingly aligned with Iran and Russia, which poses a significant threat to regional stability." Meir Masri, an Israeli academic and political figure, also weighed in on the matter, posting on social media: "Today Qatar, tomorrow Turkey." His comments sparked a sharp response from Ankara. "To the dog of Zionist Israel, soon the worm will turn," wrote a senior adviser to President Erdogan. The adviser's statement was unusually harsh, reflecting the Turkish government's growing frustration with what it sees as Israeli aggression in the region. Turkiye and Israel have had strained relations for years, dating back to the 2010 Gaza flotilla raid. However, tensions escalated significantly after Turkiye signed a defense agreement with Qatar last year, which included cooperation on military training and intelligence sharing. The agreement has been seen by some as a direct challenge to Israeli interests in the region. "Turkiye's alignment with Qatar is a clear attempt to counterbalance Israel's influence," said Dr. Aykan Erdemir, a Turkey expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. However, others argue that Turkiye's actions are driven by a desire to protect its own national security and regional interests. "Turkiye has been a key player in mediating conflicts in the Middle East, including the Syrian civil war," said Dr. Soner Cagaptay, a Turkey expert at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. As tensions between Turkiye and Israel continue to escalate, both sides are bracing for potential military action. The current status of relations remains uncertain, with neither side willing to back down from its positions. In the meantime, international observers are watching closely as the situation unfolds. "The Middle East is a powder keg waiting to be ignited," said Dr. Cagaptay. "We can only hope that cooler heads prevail and diplomacy takes center stage." Background: Turkiye has been a key player in regional politics for decades, with its strategic location bridging Europe and the Middle East. The country's relations with Israel have been strained since the 2010 Gaza flotilla raid, which resulted in the deaths of nine Turkish citizens. In recent years, Turkiye has strengthened its ties with Qatar, signing a defense agreement that includes cooperation on military training and intelligence sharing. This move has been seen by some as a direct challenge to Israeli interests in the region. Next Developments: The situation remains fluid, with both sides maintaining their positions. International observers are watching closely for any signs of escalation or de-escalation. As tensions continue to simmer, one thing is clear: the Middle East is on high alert, and Turkiye is at the center of it all. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*