Rising Tensions
Erdogan Under Pressure as Israeli Missiles Deployed on Turkey's Border
While Erdogan works diligently to promote control over Syria, thereby creating a de-facto land bridge to Israel, in cooperation with Greece, Israel is also deploying armaments on Erdogan's doorstep.
Israel and Greece are deepening their security alliance, with Israeli Spike missiles now deployed in the Aegean Islands and along the Greece-Turkey border, a development that has heightened concerns in Ankara and for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Following Israel's provision of advanced air and sea defense systems, Greece has now positioned offensive missiles on islands proximate to Turkey's maritime frontier, challenging Turkey's influence in the eastern Mediterranean.
International reports explain that Greece has installed Israeli-made Spike NLOS missiles in the eastern Aegean Islands and along the Evros River, a critical land border with Turkey. These long-range, precise missiles, capable of targeting both ground and sea objectives from dozens of kilometers away, are among the most sophisticated offensive and deterrent weapons available.
This deployment comes amidst persistent tensions between Athens and Ankara, marked by territorial disputes, contests over economic waters, and recurring military frictions near Turkish coastal islands.
For Turkey, the introduction of advanced Israeli weaponry near its borders signifies a significant shift in the regional power dynamics.While Erdogan is actively working to consolidate control over Syria, effectively creating a land bridge to Israel, Israel's collaboration with Greece places advanced armaments squarely on Erdogan's threshold, further complicating his regional maneuvers.