“A Kurdish State Might Be Established”

However, he also added that Israel doesn’t currently support such a prospect precisely because of its close relations with Turkey, since it attaches the greatest importance to Ankara’s opposition to an independent Kurdish state in the region. Yet, Liel further argued that since a Kurdish state would probably be backed by the US and the EU, Turkey must gird itself to greet such a development rather than viewing it as a casus belli.

Liel’s words, which are very likely to cause a stir, are as follows:

* Israel wants to see a democratic, united Iraq. However, if this proves impossible, then at least a part of the country should be democratic, in all likelihood the northern Kurdish region. A democratic Kurdish administration would be politically closer to Turkey than any other country in the region.

* If Iraq is divided, Israel will welcome the establishment of a Kurdish state. However, Turkey firmly opposes such a development. It would be madness for Israel to side with or encourage such a formation unless Ankara changes its mind. Which is why I hope there’s no one in Israel now daring to support the Kurdish efforts, because we don’t want to ruin our relations with Turkey.

* If Israel now avoids abetting the Kurdish efforts, it is because Turkey and the US don’t want the Kurdish groups to form an independent state. However, I personally believe that Turkey must be ready for all possible developments, including the establishment of an independent Kurdish state in the region.

These words seem to contradict Israel’s official stance, since it has recently displayed a willingness to smooth out its relations with Syria and the Palestinians. Now Ankara has the right to demand an official explanation from Israel about its attitude towards ethnic Kurdish groups in northern Iraq.”