Erdogan Blocks Netanyahu from Key Summit in Egypt

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed on Tuesday that he orchestrated efforts to prevent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from attending a significant summit in Egypt. The summit, held on October 9, 2023, at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, aimed to bolster the ceasefire in Gaza. An official from Erdogan’s ruling party, Omer Celik, stated that Turkey had made arrangements to block Netanyahu’s participation.

This revelation marks the first time Turkey has publicly acknowledged its role in obstructing Netanyahu’s attendance. The summit was designed to foster cooperation among nations, including Egypt and Qatar, in addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has garnered international attention. Erdogan’s government maintains ties with Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including Turkey’s NATO allies.

Initially, Netanyahu accepted a last-minute invitation to the summit. However, his office later announced that he would not participate due to the observance of a Jewish holiday. A Turkish government official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that Erdogan’s diplomatic efforts were instrumental in persuading several nations to support the move against Netanyahu’s attendance.

On the same day, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani expressed to Egyptian and U.S. officials that he would withdraw from the summit if Netanyahu were present. This statement highlighted the regional sensitivities surrounding Israel’s involvement in Arab-led initiatives.

Erdogan’s actions reflect a broader strategy to influence diplomatic discussions in the region. Celik noted that Turkey prepares for various scenarios ahead of such summits, indicating a proactive approach to international diplomacy. The outcome of this summit could have significant implications for future negotiations regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader Middle Eastern relations.

Netanyahu’s office has refrained from commenting on the situation. The dynamics of this summit, influenced by Turkey’s diplomatic maneuvering, underscore the complexities of regional politics and the ongoing challenges in achieving lasting peace in the area.