A Message in Naval Maneuvers

The modest military drill conducted by Israel, Turkey and the United States in the eastern Mediterranean this week was aimed, as all three countries insist, at improving coordination in naval rescue operations and not at threatening anyone. But beyond this purpose the exercise also advertised a new level in strategic cooperation, something understood by every national leader from North Africa to the Persian Gulf. When the two strongest military powers in the region work together, in conjunction with the United States, notice must be taken.

Israel and Turkey have had a military relationship for about two years. Israel is helping to upgrade Turkey’s armed forces. Turkey has opened its broad skies to training missions by Israeli combat pilots, allowing maneuvers that could not be conducted in Israel’s own cramped air space. Whatever attributes the two countries find in each other, their strongest bond plainly is in the antagonists they share, especially Syria and Iran. Both are Israel’s sworn enemies. Turkey, which shares a border with each, has problems with each. The nascent Israel-Turkey alliance thus seems to have been inspired mainly by several troublesome neighbors. Interestingly, Jordan, whose navy consists of half a dozen patrol craft and 650 men, sent an admiral to observe the exercise, indicating it has its own worries about what’s happening in the neighborhood.

What was perhaps most intriguing about this week’s operation was the American presence. The United States, through its Sixth Fleet, is the premier naval power in the eastern Mediterranean. To work with other navies to improve rescue operations is a sensible thing. But Washington was clearly aware of what would be read into that effort. It too was sending a carefully considered political signal that few in the region would fail to understand.