Former Diplomat Questioned Israel-Kurdish Strategy
Alon Liel criticized Benjamin Netanyahu's approach as Türkiye pursues a new internal peace process.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in International Relations
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Former Israeli Foreign Ministry director-general Alon Liel argued that Benjamin Netanyahu lacks a strategic commitment to the Kurdish cause. The critique emerged as Türkiye navigates a renewed peace process initiated in October 2024.
Why it matters
The political maneuvering in Ankara aims to consolidate internal unity against rising regional instability. This initiative could shift long-standing regional fault lines and alter the competitive landscape between Turkish and Israeli interests.
In October 2024, MHP leader Devlet Bahceli initiated a political opening by shaking hands with DEM Party lawmakers to foster internal unity. This process seeks to address the PKK, which Türkiye designates as a terrorist organization.
The players
Alon Liel
He is a former director-general of Israel's Foreign Ministry and served as the nation's charge d'affaires in Türkiye.
Benjamin Netanyahu
He is the Prime Minister of Israel currently overseeing the nation's foreign policy and regional strategic interests.
Devlet Bahceli
He is the leader of the MHP who orchestrated the recent political opening toward Kurdish political parties in Türkiye.
Abdullah Ocalan
He is the imprisoned leader of the PKK and a central figure in potential negotiations regarding group disarmament.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan
He is the President of Türkiye and a primary backer of the current government-led peace initiative.
The details
The peace initiative, backed by Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the AKP, centers on the possibility that imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan will call for the disarmament of the PKK. Authorities launched these efforts amid heightened security concerns that followed the regional conflicts beginning October 7, 2023.
Timeline
October 7, 2023: Conflicts began, heightening Turkish security concerns.
October 2024: Türkiye initiated a new political peace process with Kurdish groups.
Political Context
This move marks a departure from traditional hardline stances, signaling a potential shift in how Ankara manages domestic ethnic tensions. Critics remain skeptical of the initiative, noting that previous attempts at reconciliation with Kurdish political groups have faced significant partisan resistance.
The potential success of this peace process could significantly alter security conditions across borders in Iraq and Syria. Readers should monitor these developments as they could impact travel safety and regional trade routes in the Middle East.
The takeaway
The diplomatic critique highlights how internal policy shifts in one nation can trigger broader geopolitical realignments across the Middle East. Observers should track whether this peace process yields concrete disarmament steps or remains primarily symbolic political theater.
Further reading
For more background on regional developments, visit the /politics/international-relations/ section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AzerNews.
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