Former Israeli PM Naftali Bennett Calls Turkey a 'New Threat' to Israel

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warned on Tuesday that Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is becoming a serious strategic threat to Israel, describing Ankara as the "new Iran."

Bennett made the remarks during the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem. He described Turkey as having turned into a "complex and dangerous rival" seeking to "encircle Israel" and urged Israel not to ignore the threat again.

Bennett referred to an "expanding regional axis" involving Turkey, Qatar, and the Muslim Brotherhood, claiming Pakistan plays a role through its nuclear capabilities. He said this coalition aims to extend its influence beyond its geographical area by stoking hostility against Israel, including potential impact on Saudi Arabia.

He further claimed that Qatar and Turkey, operating from Syrian territory and amid what he called "Israel's complacency in Gaza," are bolstering a new Muslim Brotherhood axis similar to the one led by Iran. Bennett stated Israel must confront multiple threats simultaneously, including those from both Tehran and Ankara.

In his speech, Bennett also criticized Israel's current leadership for deepening internal divisions and failing to protect the country effectively. He directly targeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling his long tenure the "biggest disaster in Israel's history" and declaring it time for Netanyahu to step aside. Bennett positioned himself as ready to lead Israel's "next and stronger chapter," signaling his intent to return to active politics.