Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli called on Thursday for the immediate closure of the Turkish Consulate in Jerusalem after the release of a new strategic study alleging that Ankara is pursuing a long-term campaign to expand its influence in the city through political, civil, and ideological channels while supporting Hamas.
The report, published by the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy (JCAP), is titled Turkey's Phased Plan to Conquer Jerusalem: Neo-Ottoman Ambitions and the Muslim Brotherhood Doctrine. It argues that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan views Jerusalem as a central strategic objective within a broader regional vision to restore Turkish influence across the Middle East.
According to the study, Turkey is simultaneously advancing its interests on several fronts, including expanding its presence in Jerusalem through cultural institutions, nonprofit organizations, academic scholarships, social initiatives, and economic assistance. The report also claims Ankara is strengthening its position in the Gaza Strip, entrenching its military presence in northern Syria, and increasing its involvement in Lebanon as part of what it describes as a unified regional strategy.
A central finding of the report focuses on Turkey's relationship with Hamas. According to the authors, Ankara provides the terrorist organization with political and semi-official operating space, allows senior Hamas officials to work from Turkish territory, and maintains coordination between Hamas leaders and Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT).
The report further alleges that Turkey seeks to strengthen Hamas's influence in Jerusalem and the West Bank through a network of local organizations and associations.
The study also argues that Turkey's long-term strategy is based on a scenario in which Hamas and the Palestinian Authority reconcile, leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. According to the report's authors, such a development could pave the way for Turkey to be invited to serve as a patron of the city and its holy sites, potentially providing Ankara with both diplomatic and military influence in Jerusalem.
The report also examines Turkey's military posture elsewhere in the region. It says Ankara already maintains a significant military presence in northern Syria and is seeking to expand its role in Lebanon by portraying IDF operations there as a threat to Turkish interests, thereby laying the groundwork for possible future military involvement. In Gaza, the study identifies what it describes as continued Turkish efforts to deepen ties with Hamas and expand its regional influence.
Study shows Turkish consulate encourages terrorism
A separate section of the report focuses on the Turkish Consulate in Jerusalem, which the researchers describe as a central hub for advancing Turkish policy in the city. According to the study, the consulate works closely with the Palestinian Authority, encourages the activities of Islamist organizations and local associations, and helps build long-term influence infrastructure in Jerusalem.
Responding to the findings, Chikli said there was no justification for allowing the diplomatic mission to continue operating.
"There is no place for the continued operation of a diplomatic body that acts against Israel's sovereignty in Jerusalem and, in practice, advances the interests of Hamas and the Turkish regime," he said.
Authors argue Israel must formulate strategy to counter Turkish influence
The report's authors conclude that the challenge posed by Turkey extends beyond political rhetoric and encompasses ideological, economic, civil, and security activities designed to establish long-term influence in Jerusalem and its surrounding areas. They argue that Israel should formulate a comprehensive diplomatic and strategic response to curb Turkey's expanding involvement and its influence over Palestinian and regional power centers.
Chikli reiterated his call at the conclusion of the event, saying, "In light of this study, I once again call for the closure of the Turkish Consulate and the removal of every Turkish government presence, including state-run television channels."