Barak Accuses Netanyahu: US Backs Turkey’s Gaza Role as PM’s ‘Political Survival’ Blindsides Israeli Security
US Ambassador to Türkiye and Syria envoy Tom Barrack made waves at the Milken Institute's Middle East and Africa 2025 summit in Abu Dhabi, advising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against blocking Türkiye's participation in a multinational Gaza peace force. "If I were advising Netanyahu, I'd tell him not to oppose Türkiye joining this force," Barrack stated, highlighting US backing for Ankara's involvement as both diplomatic and practical. He pointed to Türkiye's past mediation with Hamas via Qatar, arguing it positions the country uniquely to help disarm the group nonviolently—something Israel might struggle with alone.
Barrack framed this as a smart geopolitical play, noting the "bromance" between President Donald Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan could pave the way for real progress in Gaza. Despite lingering trust issues—"I don't think that trust exists yet," he admitted—Barrack predicted Türkiye might soon shed Russian S-400 systems, unlocking F-35 access and deeper US ties within months. This comes as Turkey issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu over Gaza genocide claims, yet Barrack dismissed the tough talk as "just rhetoric," insisting no war looms and trade deals could follow if peace holds.
Energy Corridors and Regional Shifts
Beyond Gaza, Barrack spotlighted a game-changing energy route from Syria through Türkiye to Azerbaijan, calling it "highly profitable" for tackling regional shortages. Linking the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean, this corridor hinges on peace deals like Azerbaijan-Armenia's and reopening the Armenia-Türkiye border, with Türkiye as the linchpin for Azerbaijan and Armenia alike. Such connectivity could reshape energy security, especially post-Assad in Syria, where Barrack praised the new leadership's cooperation with the US and Israel.
Broader Mideast Critique
Barrack didn't hold back on US missteps, slamming Washington's past Kurdish strategies in Iraq and Syria as "Balkanizing" the region into chaotic fiefdoms—think KRG and SDF left to feud over oil, yielding "absolute chaos" in Baghdad under Iranian sway. He declared the era of regime change over, pushing local solutions: disarm Hezbollah via talks, not endless strikes that "create 10 terrorists for every one killed." Syria's pivot toward Israel deals signals hope, but only if neighbors like Türkiye step up.