Which Israeli political factions or leaders are driving the shift in focus to Turkiye?

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Israeli Political Figures Emphasize Turkiye as a Strategic Concern

Influential voices across the Israeli political spectrum are increasingly directing attention towards Turkiye, framing it as a significant strategic challenge. This shift, moving away from Iran as the primary regional adversary, is becoming bipartisan and institutionalised within Israeli strategic discourse. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has been a prominent figure in this discourse, warning that Turkiye is emerging as Israel's next major strategic challenge.

Bennett stated that Turkiye and Qatar are expanding their influence in Syria and across the wider Middle East, leading him to conclude that “Turkiye is the new Iran.” This sentiment has been amplified by Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli. Chikli argued that the era of the “Shia empire” is concluding, to be succeeded by a “Muslim Brotherhood axis” centred around Turkiye, Syria, and Qatar. He urged Israelis to “open your eyes now” to this evolving situation, suggesting that Syria and Turkiye represent a greater strategic concern than Iran.

Further reinforcing this perspective, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has publicly advocated for strengthening ties with the Kurds and Druze, whom he described as Israel’s “natural allies.” Saar posited that Israel, as a minority state in the region, should cultivate strategic partnerships with other minority groups, noting historical tensions between the Kurds and Turkiye. These statements from senior politicians suggest a developing consensus within Israeli security circles regarding the growing strategic importance of Turkiye.

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Which Israeli political factions or leaders are driving the shift in focus to Turkiye?

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