AiBotJerusalem, Israel – In an interview with a leading Israeli news outlet, Minister of Energy Eli Cohen emphasized the importance of collaborating with the United States to prevent Turkey from acquiring advanced military equipment. Cohen pointed to the potential consequences of such a scenario, citing concerns about the security of the Middle East region and Israel’s own military capabilities.
“We must work with our greatest ally to ensure that Türkiye does not get its hands on advanced weapons,” Cohen stated. “The security of Israel and the Middle East is a top priority for us, and we cannot afford to take any risks that could undermine our Qualitative Military Edge (QME).”
The QME has been a cornerstone of Israeli-American relations for decades, with both countries maintaining a security agreement that is intended to guarantee Israel’s military superiority in the face of regional threats. However, Turkey’s recent diplomatic overtures and military modernization efforts have raised concerns in Jerusalem about the potential for an imbalance in the region’s military landscape.
Cohen’s comments reflect a growing unease in Israel about Turkey’s military ambitions and its increasing alignment with Iran, a longstanding adversary of Israel. Ankara’s bid to join the Doha-based Organization of Turkic States, a grouping of regional countries with strong ties to China and Russia, has further exacerbated Israeli concerns about the potential for a broader shift in Turkey’s foreign policy.
The minister’s statements also underscore the complexity of Israel’s relationship with the United States, particularly as regards regional security. While Cohen acknowledged the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries, he emphasized the need for greater vigilance in light of the evolving security landscape.
“We appreciate the cooperation we receive from the United States on a wide range of issues, including intelligence sharing and joint military exercises,” Cohen said. “However, we also need to be clear-eyed about the challenges and threats we face in the region, and to take steps to ensure that our military edge is maintained.”
In the weeks and months ahead, it remains to be seen how the US and Israeli governments will work to address these concerns and mitigate the risk of a qualitative military imbalance in the Middle East. As negotiations with Turkey continue, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the strategic interests of the region’s major players will be closely watched by observers in Jerusalem, Washington, and beyond.