Israel Shifts Focus to Turkey as New Regional Rival After Iran War
Following the collapse of Bashar Al-Assad’s government in Syria and significant setbacks for Iran and Hezbollah, Israeli political elites perceive a strategic window to solidify regional dominance. With Iran’s influence diminished, Turkey has emerged as the primary counterweight to Israeli ambitions in the Levant. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and other officials increasingly frame Turkey as a major threat, comparable to the previous framing of Iran, citing President Erdoğan’s growing influence in post-regime change Syria. Analysts suggest that Israel is developing long-term strategies to confront Ankara, viewing Turkey’s stability and strength as obstacles to its expansionist agenda. While Israel exploits perceived vulnerabilities in the region, Turkey aims to deter Israeli aggression through its NATO membership and military superiority without seeking direct confrontation. This shifting dynamic positions the rivalry between Tel Aviv and Ankara as a potential new faultline in Middle Eastern geopolitics, with significant implications for regional stability under the second Trump administration.
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