Türkiye has entered Israel’s threat narrative. What’s next?

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett recently made a bold statement regarding Türkiye and its President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, effectively labeling Ankara a new strategic threat to Israeli security. Bennett accused Türkiye of supporting not only Iran but also several groups in the Middle East that Israel classifies as terrorist organizations.

In an interview, Bennett described Erdogan as a “sophisticated and dangerous adversary who wants to encircle Israel.” He urged Israel and its allies not to “turn a blind eye” to Ankara’s actions and develop a comprehensive policy of containment. He emphasized that the strategy should address not just Tehran; systemic measures must also be taken in regard to Türkiye. While Bennett did not specify particular pressure tactics, his rhetoric implied that Israel needs to formally recognize Türkiye as a hostile nation. 

Bennett’s assertion about the emergence of what he termed a “monstrous axis” of Islamic political forces deserves special attention. He claimed that Qatar and Türkiye, acting in Syria and Gaza, are bolstering networks linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. He also hinted at Doha’s financial and political influence over certain Israeli officials, adding an additional domestic political layer to his statements.

Bennett had earlier articulated the notion of a “new Turkish threat” at a conference of American Jewish organizations in Jerusalem. He mentioned a scenario where Ankara could align with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in a potential military-political pact, predicting this would create a new center of power with regional ambitions.