Why do some Israeli politicians now view Turkey as a greater threat than Iran?

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Israeli Politicians Increasingly Perceive Turkey as a Major Strategic Challenge

Influential figures within Israel's political landscape are increasingly shifting their strategic focus from Iran to Turkey, viewing the latter as a burgeoning regional adversary. This sentiment is not confined to a single faction, with former Prime Prime Minister Naftali Bennett famously stating that "Turkey is the new Iran," and Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli suggesting that Turkey, Syria, and Qatar form a "Muslim Brotherhood axis" that poses a greater concern than Iran. These perspectives indicate a developing consensus within Israeli security circles, moving beyond mere political rhetoric to shape future policy considerations.
Shift in Strategic Focus from Iran to Turkey

For many years, Iran was consistently identified as Israel's primary regional adversary. However, a notable shift is occurring, with prominent Israeli politicians now directing significant attention towards Turkey. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has articulated this change, warning that Turkey is emerging as Israel's next major strategic challenge and declaring, "Turkey is the new Iran." This assertion highlights a growing perception within Israeli strategic discourse that the geopolitical landscape is evolving, necessitating a re-evaluation of regional threats.
Emerging "Muslim Brotherhood Axis" Centered on Turkey

Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli has further elaborated on this perceived threat, arguing that the era of the "Shia empire" is drawing to a close, to be succeeded by a "Muslim Brotherhood axis." He explicitly places Turkey at the center of this new configuration, alongside Syria and Qatar. Chikli has gone as far as to suggest that Syria and Turkey represent a more significant strategic concern for Israel than Iran itself, urging a heightened awareness of this developing regional dynamic.
Cultivating Alliances with Regional Minorities

In parallel with this heightened concern regarding Turkey, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has publicly advocated for strengthening ties with Kurdish and Druze communities. Saar described these groups as Israel's "natural allies," particularly noting their historical tensions with both Turkey and Iran. This strategic outreach to minority populations is presented as a means for Israel, as a minority state in the region, to cultivate strategic partnerships, underscoring a foreign policy approach that considers regional minority dynamics in its threat assessment.

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Why do some Israeli politicians now view Turkey as a greater threat than Iran?

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