Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has sharply escalated rhetoric toward Ankara, warning that “Turkey is the new Iran” and portraying it as a growing strategic threat to Israel.
Speaking at a public conference, Bennett described Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a “sophisticated and dangerous adversary,” arguing that Ankara is expanding its regional influence in ways that could challenge Israel’s security interests. He suggested that while Iran has long been viewed as Israel’s primary regional threat, Turkey’s rising diplomatic and political footprint now warrants similar concern.
Bennett accused Turkey of strengthening ties with actors hostile to Israel and increasing its presence in Syria and Gaza. He warned that Israel must not underestimate what he characterised as a shifting balance of power in the Middle East.
Although Bennett no longer holds office, his remarks reflect a hardening tone within parts of Israel’s political establishment amid broader regional instability. Turkish officials have previously rejected similar accusations, defending Ankara’s regional role and its support for Palestinian rights. The comments come at a time of heightened regional tension, with the ongoing conflict involving Iran reshaping alliances and rivalries across the Middle East.
Critics said Bennett’s remarks risk inflaming already fragile regional relations, arguing that framing Turkey in similar terms to Iran could further strain diplomatic ties. Some analysts noted that in previous regional crises, Israeli leaders have described certain actors as strategic threats prior to periods of military confrontation, raising concerns that such rhetoric could deepen tensions. Turkish officials have previously rejected Israeli accusations, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan defending Ankara’s regional role and criticising Israeli military actions in Gaza and elsewhere.
