Former Israeli PM Bennett: “A New Turkish Threat Is Emerging,” Calls for Zionist Unity

By Bosphorus News Staff

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett has warned that Türkiye should now be viewed alongside Iran in Israel’s strategic threat assessment, arguing that Ankara represents a growing long-term challenge.

Speaking at the 2026 Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Bennett said, “A new Turkish threat is emerging,” and described President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a “sophisticated and dangerous adversary.” He added that Israel must recognise that the regional environment is shifting and that Türkiye’s posture can no longer be treated as secondary to other security fronts.

Bennett drew a direct comparison with Tehran, stating that Israel must be prepared to confront “Iran and Türkiye at the same time.” He said Ankara’s expanding regional role requires serious strategic attention, warning that ignoring this development would be a mistake in long-term security planning.

He also linked Türkiye and Qatar in what he described as an Islamist axis active in Syria and Gaza, claiming that their influence is growing and could reshape Israel’s strategic environment. “This is not a marginal issue,” Bennett said, urging policymakers to treat the matter with urgency.

Turning to domestic politics, Bennett called for “Zionist unity,” arguing that internal division weakens Israel at a time of mounting external pressures. “Now is the time for unity, not division,” he said, framing political cohesion as essential for confronting emerging threats.

No immediate official response from Ankara had been issued at the time of publication.