Jerusalem Post: Turkey Libya maritime deal raises Israeli concerns over Mediterranean shipping

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Israel is closely monitoring Turkey’s expanding military and diplomatic footprint in Libya, with particular attention on the controversial 2019 Turkish Libyan maritime memorandum and its potential implications for shipping, energy infrastructure and Israel’s freedom of navigation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

An analysis published by the Jerusalem Post says the Israeli defence establishment has increased its focus on what it describes as the “Libya corridor”, amid Turkey’s growing presence in the region.

The 2019 memorandum between Turkey and Libya projects a maritime boundary between the two countries while disregarding the presence of Greek islands between their coastlines, including Crete and Rhodes.

According to the Jerusalem Post analysis by Amir Bohbot, the arrangement, combined with Turkey’s military presence in Libya, could give Ankara greater ability to project military power and influence maritime activity well beyond its internationally recognised borders.

Israel watching Turkey’s Libya presence

The report says Turkey has established a military footprint in Libya involving advisers, air and naval capabilities and access to Libyan ports.

The Jerusalem Post argues that Ankara’s military support for Libya has also been linked to its pursuit of energy exploration rights, creating a broader strategic relationship between military presence, maritime claims and energy interests.

The developments are being monitored by Israeli intelligence and defence agencies, including the IDF Intelligence Directorate, Mossad and the Israel Navy’s intelligence branch, according to Israeli sources cited by the newspaper.

The concern centres partly on the potential impact on Israeli shipping and maritime trade. The Jerusalem Post reports that around 98% of Israel’s imports arrive by sea, making freedom of navigation a significant strategic consideration for Jerusalem.

Energy routes and undersea infrastructure

The Turkish Libyan agreement is also being examined in connection with Israel’s energy ambitions.

According to the Jerusalem Post analysis, the maritime arrangement could complicate plans for a gas pipeline linking Israel with Cyprus and Greece before continuing towards European markets.

The newspaper also highlights concerns surrounding undersea communications infrastructure and electricity cables, particularly as tensions increase across the Eastern Mediterranean.

These concerns come as Israel deepens energy and strategic cooperation with Greece, Cyprus and Egypt, placing the Turkish Libyan maritime arrangement within a wider contest over the Eastern Mediterranean’s energy and maritime infrastructure.

A wider Eastern Mediterranean strategic shift

The Jerusalem Post says Israeli officials are watching Turkey’s moves as Ankara expands its regional influence.

The newspaper reports that Israeli defence officials are assessing whether Turkey’s activities could constrain Israel’s access to maritime routes or affect its relationships with regional partners.

The analysis also notes that Turkey’s military presence in Libya has continued to develop, with Turkish advisers operating in the country and senior Turkish military officials making regular visits.

The issue therefore extends beyond the original 2019 memorandum. For Israel, the combination of Turkey’s maritime claims, military infrastructure in Libya and growing influence over energy and security matters has become part of a broader Eastern Mediterranean strategic picture.

Source: Jerusalem Post

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