I can’t imagine a NATO member fighting Israel. No telling what that would cause.
Especially if a flotilla ship sinks. And the Turks can point the blame to Israel.
Then Turkey would, undoubtedly, invoke Article 5 of the NATO Charter:
The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence recognised by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.
Interesting—this NATO angle.
Use of Turkish armed forces to protect a flotilla interfering with the security of Israel is a provocation, so Israel interdicting the Turkish protected force could not be seen as act of war, but as one of defense by Israel.
Therefore, Turkey cannot then invoke the NATO charter.
Besides after Turkey’s perfidy in 2003 with not allowing our armed forces to invade Iraq from Turkey, they can go to hell.
IDF WILL BE WAITING TO BLOW IT OUT OF THE WATER
Nukes will fly if enough armies come and join the hate Israel war.
While I’m sure our President would like to take action, NATO is a defensive pact, not obligated to support Turkey in adventurism.
I’m sure Turkey is well aware of their responsibility as a NATO member, and have closely consulted with all members of the organization. After all, who wants to be all unilateral, and cowboyish. Has anyone urged them to exercise restraint, yet? Lurch? Do your diplovoodoo that you do do so well.