İsrail-Türkiye İlişkileri: Geçmişten Günümüze Siyasal Gerçeklik Kuramı ve Tehdit Algılamaları

Abstract

In order to understand the relations between the two countries, it is important to refer to the theory of political reality in international relations. According to this theory, states determine their foreign policies in order to cope with existential threats. In this context, Israel's security approach is shaped by threat perceptions. Israel's political structure, political system, leading parties, leaders and the dynamics of political life play a decisive role in foreign policy decisions. The dynamics of the Israeli Parliament (Knesset), public opinion and coalition governments are important factors affecting the country's foreign policy preferences. Relations between the two countries have a deep-rooted history with political, military and economic dimensions. However, the occasional tensions in these relations stem from the political and sociocultural dynamics of the two countries. Factors such as Israel's Palestinian policy and the growing anti-Israel stance in Turkey have led to tensions in the relations between the two countries from time to time. One of the peaks of these tensions was the Mavi Marmara incident. The intervention of the western states was effective in reestablishing relations between the two countries. At the same time, the realization of the limits of hardline foreign policy approaches in both countries played a role in the resumption of relations. Turkish-Israeli relations have a multidimensional structure shaped by regional dynamics and international politics. In order to understand these relations from past to present, the internal dynamics and foreign policy preferences of both countries should be analyzed well. Key Words: Israel, Turkey, Political Reality Theory, Threat Perceptions