Sherzad MamSani, EastMed Contributor
The prospect of an alliance between Israel and the Kurdish nation has gained renewed attention following Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s call for a “natural alliance” in his inaugural address on November 10, 2024. While the Kurds do not constitute a fully sovereign state, their unique geopolitical position and shared interests with Israel present compelling reasons for closer ties..
This article explores the importance of such an alliance, the challenges involved, and the mutual benefits it could bring. The Kurdish Nation: A Complex Political Landscape The Kurdish people are dispersed across several nations—Iraq, Syria, Iran, Turkey, and the South Caucasus—without a unified state. Despite this fragmentation, Kurdish territories exhibit varying degrees of autonomy and governance:
1. Başûr (Iraqi Kurdistan): The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq enjoys de jure autonomy, with Hewlêr (Erbil) as its capital. It hosts numerous international diplomatic missions but operates under the shadow of anti-Israel sentiment prevalent in Arab-majority Iraq.
2. Rojava (Syrian Kurdistan): The Kurdish-controlled Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria has maintained relative stability since 2012. Rojava’s military forces, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have proven to be key partners in combating extremist groups like ISIS.
3. Rojhilat (Iranian Kurdistan) and Bakûr (Turkish Kurdistan): Kurds in these regions face significant repression from their respective governments, with little opportunity for autonomous governance. However, recent regional dynamics, such as Iran’s weakening influence following the 2022-23 Jina Revolution, offer a glimmer of hope for future Kurdish aspirations. Israel’s Strategic Interest in the Kurds Historically, Israel has supported the Kurds since its establishment in 1948, but without formal long-term strategic initiatives.
Renewed interest in forging stronger ties stems from several key considerations:
1. Shared Enemies and Regional Stability Both Israel and the Kurds face threats from shared adversaries, particularly Iran and its proxies. Iran has used its influence in Iraq and Syria to target Kurdish and Israeli interests alike. A formal alliance could strengthen both parties’ capabilities to counter regional extremism and aggression.
2. Alignment with the Abraham Accords The Abraham Accords aimed to foster regional peace, security, and prosperity. A partnership with the Kurds could align with these goals, promoting democratic values and regional stability. While the Kurds lack statehood, their democratic inclinations and commitment to combating extremism make them natural allies for Israel.
3. Military and Security Cooperation The Kurds’ disciplined military structures, particularly the SDF in Rojava and the Peshmerga in Başûr, present opportunities for collaboration in intelligence sharing, counterterrorism efforts, and military training. Israel’s expertise in defense technology, including UAVs and air defense systems, could help the Kurds counter threats from Turkey and Iran.
4. Diplomatic and Humanitarian Engagement Israel could leverage its global influence to advocate for Kurdish recognition in international forums, including the United Nations. Collaborative efforts in organizations such as UNICEF, WHO, and UNESCO could further enhance Kurdish development in areas like health, education, and infrastructure.
Challenges to an Alliance Despite the strategic alignment, several obstacles hinder the formalization of an Israeli-Kurdish partnership:
1. Anti-Israel Sentiment: In Iraq, strong opposition to Israel remains a significant barrier. Following a conference on normalizing ties with Israel in 2021, the Iraqi parliament criminalized such relations in 2022, underlining the risks of open engagement.
2. Geopolitical Risks in Rojava: Establishing diplomatic missions in Rojava is plausible but comes with risks, including Turkish drone strikes. While Turkey has been cautious in targeting Israeli facilities, the threat cannot be entirely discounted.
3. Lack of Statehood: The Kurds’ fragmented political landscape means any alliance would remain between nations, not states. This asymmetry complicates formal agreements and requires innovative approaches to cooperation.
Potential Benefits of an Alliance A partnership between Israel and the Kurds offers numerous benefits:
1. Economic Development: Kurdish territories, particularly Başûr and Rojava, have demonstrated remarkable stability and potential for development in areas like trade, medicine, and the arts.
2. Regional Influence: By supporting Kurdish aspirations, Israel could gain a strategic foothold in regions adjacent to key adversaries like Iran and Syria.
3. Humanitarian Support: Providing aid to Kurdish communities could strengthen ties while addressing urgent needs, fostering goodwill and mutual trust.
4. Military Strengthening: Joint training and provision of advanced defense systems could enhance Kurdish military capabilities, ensuring greater security for both partners. The Path Forward Israel must tread carefully in its engagement with the Kurds, balancing its strategic interests with the risks involved.
While the Kurds have expressed openness to relations with Israel, as evidenced by statements from the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), any alliance must go beyond symbolic gestures. Genuine support—both military and diplomatic—is essential to ensuring a stable, long-term partnership. As the Middle East continues to evolve, an alliance between Israel and the Kurds represents not only a strategic necessity but also an opportunity to foster peace, security, and prosperity in a historically volatile region. However, achieving this vision will require innovative diplomacy, robust support, and a commitment to shared values. Author Background This analysis draws on the expertise of Dr. Loqman Radpey, a Middle East Forum fellow and author of Towards an Independent Kurdistan: Self-Determination in International Law (Routledge 2023). Dr. Radpey has extensively studied Kurdish self-determination and the legal dimensions of nationhood in the Middle East, offering valuable insights into the complex dynamics of Israeli-Kurdish relations.