Turkey Denies Granting Overflight Permission to Netanyahu’s Aircraft

The Turkish government has firmly denied claims that it granted overflight permission to a plane carrying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling the reports “completely untrue.”

On Saturday, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli responded to speculation circulating in regional media and online platforms, which alleged that Turkey had allowed Netanyahu’s aircraft to use its airspace during a recent flight.

“The claims that overflight permission was granted to the Israeli Prime Minister’s plane are absolutely untrue,” Keceli stated, as reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency. “No such request has been conveyed to us either.”

The statement comes amid heightened scrutiny of Israel’s international movements and growing regional tensions over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Turkey has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military operations and policies in Palestinian territories and has repeatedly condemned Israeli actions that it considers violations of international law.

The denial appears aimed at reinforcing Turkey’s consistent position of distancing itself from direct cooperation with the Netanyahu government, particularly in light of ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza that have drawn global criticism.

Relations between Turkey and Israel have been strained for years, often flaring up during periods of violence in the occupied Palestinian territories. Though diplomatic ties were restored in 2022 after a years-long freeze, the relationship remains fragile. Turkey has recently joined several countries in condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza and advocating for unimpeded humanitarian aid access to the besieged enclave.

The timing of the overflight speculation and subsequent denial underscores the sensitivity surrounding any perceived engagement between Ankara and the Netanyahu administration. Analysts say even unsubstantiated reports of such cooperation could provoke backlash domestically and across the region.

As of now, Israeli officials have not issued any statement regarding the alleged overflight request or the Turkish government’s denial. With no official confirmation of a flight route involving Turkish airspace, the issue appears to have been addressed proactively by Ankara to avoid misinterpretation of its stance on Israel.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry’s swift response reflects a broader effort by Ankara to maintain a consistent diplomatic posture in the face of rapidly shifting regional dynamics and public sentiment.