ABSTRACT This article examines the tensions in Turkish–Israeli relations during the 2010s as well as prospects and challenges of normalisation from an ontological security perspective. Emphasising the role of conflicts in the provision of ontological security, it illustrates how frictions with Israel and attachment to the Palestinian issue serve the identity needs of Turkey’s political elites and provides additional avenues for responding to legitimacy challenges. The article suggests that comprehensive normalisation of relations remains elusive and uncertain despite recent positive steps as this may engender ontological insecurity for both countries and can lead to a backlash towards hostile identities.