Ex-US Diplomat: Netanyahu Gains Politically by Portraying Turkey as Enemy

Former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Francis J. Ricciardone has warned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is using the perception of Turkey as an enemy to bolster his political standing ahead of Israel’s October legislative elections. In an interview with Al Jazeera’s “This is America” program, Ricciardone explained that Netanyahu’s rhetoric about Turkey is part of a broader strategy to galvanise domestic support by framing external opposition as a unifying threat.

The Israeli leader, who has served as prime minister for a record seven terms, has faced growing criticism over his handling of the Gaza war and his perceived alignment with far‑right factions. In the months leading up to the elections, Netanyahu has intensified his criticism of Turkey, a country that has historically been both a strategic partner and a diplomatic rival. Turkey’s government has repeatedly accused Israel of human rights abuses in the occupied Palestinian territories, and the two nations have had a strained relationship since 2018, when Turkey recalled its ambassador following Israeli airstrikes on a Gaza hospital.

Ricciardone, who was accredited to Turkey from 2016 to 2019, said that Netanyahu’s emphasis on Turkey’s hostility is aimed at consolidating his base of support among voters who feel threatened by the perceived erosion of Israel’s security. “Netanyahu appears to be leveraging the narrative that Turkey is Israel’s latest adversary to rally his supporters,” Ricciardone told Al Jazeera. He added that this approach is not new; Israeli leaders have historically used external threats to divert attention from internal political challenges.

The Israeli electoral calendar has been a subject of intense scrutiny since the resignation of former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in May 2024. The country has held three elections in less than a year, a result of repeated failures to form a stable coalition government. Netanyahu’s Likud party remains the largest bloc, but it must secure a majority in the 120‑seat Knesset to form a government. In this environment, every public statement is carefully scrutinised for its potential impact on voter sentiment.

Turkey’s own political landscape is also in flux. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s administration has been grappling with domestic economic challenges, a shrinking economy, and concerns over democratic backsliding. Ankara’s criticism of Israeli policies has been partly a response to domestic pressure, and it has been used to rally nationalist sentiments within Turkey. The Turkish government’s stance on Israel has fluctuated over the years, with periods of cooperation on energy and security followed by periods of sharp diplomatic rift.

International observers note that the rhetoric surrounding Turkey is likely to influence not only Israeli voters but also the broader international community. The United States, which has long been a key ally of both Israel and Turkey, has expressed concern over the deteriorating relations between the two nations. The U.S. has called for a return to constructive dialogue, citing the importance of both countries in regional stability.

Ricciardone’s comments come at a time when Israel’s political climate is highly volatile. The Likud party has faced internal divisions over Netanyahu’s leadership style and his handling of the war in Gaza. Critics argue that his strategy of framing Turkey as an enemy is a distraction from pressing domestic issues such as the cost of living, housing shortages, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the occupied territories. Supporters, on the other hand, view his stance as a necessary defense against external aggression.

The outcome of the October elections will determine whether Netanyahu can continue to shape Israel’s foreign policy narrative. If he secures a majority, he is likely to maintain the current diplomatic posture towards Turkey, potentially continuing the cycle of tension. If he fails to secure a majority, a new coalition may adopt a different approach, possibly seeking to mend ties with Ankara.

In sum, former U.S. Ambassador Ricciardone’s assessment highlights the interplay between international diplomacy and domestic politics in Israel. Netanyahu’s framing of Turkey as an adversary is seen by the former ambassador as a calculated political maneuver designed to consolidate his power base amid a highly fragmented electoral landscape. The next few months will reveal whether this strategy resonates with Israeli voters or backfires, reshaping the country’s political and diplomatic trajectory.