In a recent address at a high-profile conference, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett sounded the alarm over what he described as an emerging Turkish threat, asserting that Israel must not “turn a blind eye” to developments in Turkiye. According to Bennett, the regional dynamics surrounding Ankara bear striking resemblance to the Iranian axis, signalling a new challenge for Tel Aviv’s strategic planning.
“A new Turkish threat is emerging,” Bennett warned. “We must act in different ways, but simultaneously against the threat from Tehran and against the hostility from Ankara.” His comments come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Turkiye, following years of diplomatic strains over Israel’s policies towards the Palestinians and military operations in Gaza.
Intensifying Israeli-Turkish Frictions
Over recent months, Turkiye has openly criticised Israel’s military campaigns and human rights record, positioning itself closer to other regional powers including Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Analysts point out that while Iran has historically been Israel’s primary adversary, attention is now increasingly shifting toward Ankara. Former Israeli Ambassador Alon Pinkas suggested that the move to highlight Turkiye as a potential threat is part of a broader political pattern.
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“Politicians like Naftali Bennett and Benjamin Netanyahu rely on the perpetual threat of war,” Pinkas said. “If it wasn’t Turkiye, it would be Iraq. If it wasn’t Iraq, it would be Hezbollah. It just always needs a threat to justify political agendas.”
Hexagonal Alliances and Regional Strategy
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently unveiled plans to strengthen what he called a “hexagon” of alliances, aimed at countering an emerging “radical Sunni axis.” This coalition is expected to include Greece, Cyprus, India, and other unspecified Arab, African, and Asian nations. Netanyahu emphasised that the alliance is intended to complement, rather than replace, Israel’s longstanding reliance on the United States.
Political analysts, however, described these manoeuvres as indicative of desperation. Ori Goldberg remarked that the drive to frame Turkiye as a threat reflects a need within Israeli politics to manufacture external pressures, particularly as domestic and international scrutiny over Israel’s policies intensifies. Yossi Mekelberg, an expert from Chatham House, added that while rhetoric against Turkiye may serve short-term political purposes, it carries the risk of turning Ankara into a genuine adversary.
Historical Context and Diplomatic Complexities
Israel and Turkiye share a complex history, balancing pragmatism with moments of severe tension. The 2010 Israeli attack on a flotilla headed to Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of ten Turkish activists, marked a significant low point in relations. Since then, both countries have experienced repeated diplomatic flare-ups, exacerbated by Israeli military actions in Gaza and Syria.
Despite these tensions, comparisons between Turkiye and Iran remain contentious. Turkiye is a NATO member with longstanding cooperative engagements with Israel in the past, while Ankara has never denied Israel’s right to exist or directly threatened the state. Analysts argue that equating Ankara with Tehran oversimplifies the geopolitical landscape and risks inflaming an already delicate situation.
As Israel navigates its regional security strategy, the focus on Turkiye underscores a broader effort to consolidate influence and maintain political leverage. With historical adversaries like Iran still central to strategic considerations, the push to frame Turkey as a threat demonstrates the interplay of rhetoric, domestic politics, and international alliances in shaping Israel’s foreign policy.
Observers caution that while these narratives may serve immediate political needs, they also introduce risks of unintended escalation, potentially altering the balance of alliances in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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