Israeli Minister Calls for Kurdish Independence and Erdogan's NATO Expulsion

Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli voiced strong support on Wednesday for Kurdish independence and sharply criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, advocating for his removal from NATO.

“Kurdistan must be granted independence, while Erdogan should be expelled from NATO and left to crown himself as the caliph of an Islamic state, ruling alongside his friends in ISIS and Al-Qaeda,” Chikli declared in response to reports on Turkish actions against Kurds in Syria.

While Chikli did not specify whether his endorsement applied to Kurdish regions in Syria, Iraq, or Turkey, his remarks align with Israel’s historical support for Kurdish self-determination. In 2017, Israel backed Iraqi Kurds in their independence referendum, though pressure from regional powers such as Iran, Iraq, and Turkey has stymied efforts to establish a Kurdish state.

Kurdish forces in Syria, considered allies of both the United States and Israel, have long sought de facto sovereignty amid the ongoing collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime. However, Turkish military incursions into Kurdish-held areas have hindered their advances. Turkey’s backing of Syrian rebels, including groups with links to Al-Qaeda, has further complicated Kurdish aspirations.

Erdogan has been a vocal critic of Israel for years, escalating his anti-Israel rhetoric since the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Iranian-backed proxies in October 2023. In July, Erdogan openly threatened Israel, stating, “Just as we entered Karabakh, just as we entered Libya, we might do the same to them. There is nothing we cannot do.”

Chikli’s remarks reflect growing frustration within Israel over Erdogan’s policies, including Turkey’s mixed record on fighting ISIS. Analysts have noted periods of Turkish “seeming indifference to ISIS activities within its borders” while simultaneously supporting Sunni rebel groups in Syria.

Israel has long viewed the Kurds as a stabilizing force and a potential ally in a volatile region. Kurdish communities in Syria and Iraq are known for their friendly stance toward Israel and their commitment to countering radical Islamist groups.

Chikli’s call for Kurdish independence highlights Israel’s support for nations and groups that align with its interests, while his criticism of Erdogan underscores ongoing tensions between Israel and Turkey.

As Turkey reportedly plans to expand its presence in Kurdish-held areas of Syria, Chikli’s endorsement of Kurdish sovereignty sends a clear message of support to the region’s embattled Kurdish communities.

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