As the likelihood of a U.S. strike on Iran grows, Israeli political leaders are increasingly turning their attention to another regional power: Türkiye, signaling a possible search for a new strategic rival even as tensions with Tehran remain high.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who is widely expected to run in this year’s elections, last week publicly labeled Türkiye a threat to Israel, accusing Ankara of aligning itself with a hostile regional bloc.
Speaking at a conference, Bennett warned that Israel must not “turn a blind eye” to Türkiye and described it as part of a regional axis “similar to the Iranian one,” adding that Israel must act simultaneously against threats from both Tehran and Ankara.
Bennett’s remarks reflect a broader shift in tone among Israeli politicians in recent months, according to a report on Doha-based Al Jazeera.
While Iran has long been Israel’s principal adversary, Türkiye has emerged as a frequent target of criticism as Ankara sharply condemns Israel’s actions toward Palestinians and its genocidal war in Gaza, while also strengthening ties with regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
