Israel challenges Türkiye's NATO membership amid dispute over NATO co-op

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has expressed opposition to Türkiye's NATO membership, dismissing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's authority to dictate NATO's relations with Israel.

"Erdogan does not have the authority to decide. Moreover, a country like Türkiye, which supports Hamas and Iran's agenda, should not maintain NATO membership," Katz stated in response to Erdogan's declaration that Türkiye would not approve any NATO-Israel cooperation in light of Israel's actions in Gaza, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

Erdogan had remarked during a press conference following his attendance at the NATO summit in Washington that Türkiye would not endorse any proposed NATO-Israel cooperation discussions.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been vocal in his support for the Palestinian cause and critical of Israel's actions in the Palestinian territories. Erdogan has consistently condemned Israel's military operations and settlements in Gaza and the West Bank, characterizing them as violations of international law and human rights abuses against Palestinians.

Erdogan has called for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state. He has also criticized the United States for its support of Israel and its policies in the region.