"It is one thing for Israel to take on Hezbollah, based in southern Lebanon and Lebanon's modest military forces - it would be quite another thing to mix it up with Turkey's military, the second largest in NATO, or Egypt's forces."

While this is true, so is the converse.

While John apparently would like to see a large power forcing Israel to back down this is unlikely for the following reasons:

1 - The Israeli military is ranked in the top 4 in the world, especially its air force, and certainly does not come second to Turkey,
2 - Turkey does not share a border with Israel, and would have to fight an long range battle on Israel's doorstep.
3 - There is no scenario in which a "mix up" with Israel will leave Turkey better off, than without a mix up.

The reality is that the international courts are the only sensible option open to Turkey.

Turkey has created more tensions than merely with Israel.
Cyprus,with whom Israel is cooperating as regards drilling in the region,has been warned by Turkey against proceeding with drilling activities,as Turkish Cypriot undersea borders have not been marked.Turkish Cyprus is not internationally recognized,whilst Turkey does not recognize (Greek) Cyprus.
However, Cyprus has signed undersea border agreements with Lebanon and Egypt.
The Turkish warship deployment in the region coincided with its warning to Cyprus.
In retaliation,Cyprus has threatened to impede Turkey's negotiations regarding acceptance into the European Union.
According to CyprusNewsReport 25 August,Russia has sent two nuclear submarines to the region in order to enforce the rights of Cyprus and it's possible Russia supports that country.
What a mess!Turkey seems to be making more and more enemies,whether intentionally or because of poor diplomatic strategies.