On the date in local time, Turkish President Erdogan announced that Turkey has officially severed diplomatic relations with Israel. This makes Turkey the fourth country, after Bolivia, Colombia, and Nicaragua, to cut ties with Israel since the latest round of the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the first regional power to do so.

Turkey and Israel are both allies of the United States, and in theory, the two countries should have a mutual appreciation and harmonious relationship, but now they have parted ways on bad terms. Today, I will discuss the complex history of friendship and conflict between these two "friends" of the United States.

The ups and downs in the relationship between Turkey and Israel. Historically, the two countries were once friendly nations with harmonious relations, with Turkey being the first Islamic country to recognize Israel. However, due to Israel's frequent provocations and creation of chaos in the Middle East, the relationship between the two countries gradually deteriorated. After a series of events including the mutual expulsion of diplomatic personnel, in a certain month and year, the relationship between Turkey and Israel began to improve, restoring diplomatic relations and re-appointing ambassadors to each other.

Since the outbreak of the new round of Israel-Palestine conflict on a certain date last year, the relations between the two countries have deteriorated once again. As Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip escalated, the Turkish government repeatedly condemned Israel harshly. In a certain month last year, the Turkish Foreign Ministry announced that, given Israel's continuous strikes on Palestinian civilians and the humanitarian tragedy in the Gaza region, Turkey decided to recall its ambassador to Israel. In a certain month this year, Turkey announced the suspension of all import and export trade with Israel, citing Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip as exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Political Strongman on the International Stage. Turkish President Erdogan is considered the toughest leader in Turkey's history. He not only created an economic miracle in Turkey but also profoundly influences Turkish-Israeli relations and the situation in the Middle East.

Backing Palestine. As a predominantly Muslim country, Turkey has always regarded the Arab people as brothers and consistently expressed dissatisfaction with Israel's actions, firmly standing on the side of Palestine, recognizing the "State of Palestine," and establishing friendly relations with the Palestine Liberation Organization. Erdogan has repeatedly condemned Israel's "genocide" in the Gaza Strip, clearly expressing his support for Palestine and stating his determination to defend the Palestinian struggle and speak up for the oppressed Palestinian people.

Occasionally sharp towards the United States. Although Turkey is an important ally of the United States, Erdogan clearly does not fear the U.S. On issues such as Turkey's crackdown on the "Kurdish armed forces," the "Gulen movement," and the purchase of Russian air defense missile systems, the United States has intervened multiple times. However, Erdogan's stance is extremely tough, fiercely criticizing the U.S. for interfering in Turkey's internal affairs.

Erdogan has expressed his dissatisfaction with the EU, stating that Turkey no longer has any expectations from the EU and that the EU has kept Turkey waiting at the door for years. He also made it clear that Turkey will not tolerate any new demands or conditions in the process of joining the EU.

From this perspective, it is not surprising that a president with such a tough stance, who speaks his mind without hesitation, would sever diplomatic relations with an arrogant Israel.

The increasingly complex situation in the Middle East. As is well known, severing diplomatic relations is one of the most severe manifestations of deteriorating bilateral relations. This recent severance of ties between Turkey and Israel signifies a complete rupture between the two countries, with their positions on the Israel-Palestine conflict being severely opposed, leaving little room for compromise. If Israel, with the backing of the United States, continues to ruthlessly slaughter Gaza civilians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, it will undoubtedly provoke strong dissatisfaction and condemnation from more countries.

Will more countries sever diplomatic ties with Israel following Turkey's lead? Will Turkey, which has already severed ties, take even more aggressive measures? Undoubtedly, the situation in the Middle East is becoming increasingly complex.