Arabic version: قادة إسرائيليون يبرزون تركيا كتهديد ناشئ
Israeli political discourse is shifting focus towards Turkey, as leaders highlight perceived threats from the nation. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett recently characterized Turkey as ‘the new Iran’ during a conference, urging Israel to address the growing threat from Ankara alongside its ongoing concerns regarding Tehran.
According to Al Jazeera, Bennett’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among Israeli politicians who view Turkey’s increasing criticism of Israel’s actions towards Palestinians and its alliances with regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Egypt as alarming.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also announced plans to form a new ‘hexagon’ of alliances, aiming to counter a perceived radical Sunni axis, which includes countries like Greece and Cyprus that have historically opposed Turkey. This initiative comes as Israel seeks to strengthen its regional influence amid rising tensions with Iran.
Analysts suggest that the focus on Turkey as a threat may serve political purposes for Israeli leaders like Bennett and Netanyahu, who have both opposed Palestinian statehood and are keen on asserting Israeli dominance in the region. However, the comparison between Turkey and Iran is seen as problematic, given Turkey’s NATO membership and its historical cooperation with Israel.
The evolving narrative around Turkey reflects Israel’s ongoing struggle for regional alliances and its attempts to redefine threats in a complex geopolitical landscape, especially as relations with traditional allies like the United States become more complicated.
