Israel Calls on NATO to Expel Turkey, After Erdogan Threatens to Invade Israel

Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz has urged NATO to expel Turkey following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent threats to deploy troops into Israel. The Israeli foreign ministry announced on Monday that Katz has directed diplomats to engage urgently with NATO members to condemn Turkey and push for its removal from the alliance.

The call for action comes after Erdoğan made provocative statements during a meeting with his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Erdoğan declared that Turkey “must be very strong so that Israel can’t do these ridiculous things to Palestine.” He also hinted at potential military action, saying, “Just like we entered Karabakh, just like we entered Libya, we will do [something] similar exactly to them.”

Dutch leader Geert Wilders slams Erdogan 

The remarks from Erdoğan have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict and provoked strong reactions from international leaders. Dutch politician Geert Wilders, whose party is the largest in the Netherlands, criticized Erdoğan as an “Islamofascist” and “totally nuts” in a social media post. Wilders added that Turkey “should be kicked out of NATO,” a stance he has long advocated.

Turkey has been a member of NATO since 1952

Turkey has been a NATO member since 1952 and possesses the alliance's second-largest army.  NATO does not have a specific process for suspending or expelling members. Members may voluntarily withdraw. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has previously dismissed the idea of creating a mechanism which would allow NATO to expel extremist states like Turkey. 

As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely to see how NATO will respond to the growing dispute.