Turkey blocks Israel from NATO crisis response drill amid Gaza row: What to know
The diplomatic conflict between Turkey and Israel over the Gaza war has spilled over into NATO.
Turkey is blocking Israel from participating in NATO's civil emergency response exercise set for September 2025 in Bulgaria.
An Israeli diplomatic source confirmed to Al-Monitor that Israel is excluded from the drill, one of the world's largest and most complex training events in disaster response and the management of complex emergencies. It has been held periodically since 1992.
Turkey has been blocking Israeli participation in such drills for roughly a year, an official Turkish source confirmed to Al-Monitor.
“We are not allowing new or additional decisions regarding Israel within NATO or the organization of new activities until a permanent ceasefire is achieved in Gaza and the obstacles to humanitarian aid are lifted,” the source said. “Activities stemming from Israel’s status within NATO are ongoing.”
