Turkish ‘threat’ talked up in Israel as Netanyahu focuses on new alliances
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Israeli leaders are increasingly framing Turkey as a growing threat to their national security, particularly amid rising tensions with Iran and shifting regional alliances. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has emerged as one of the most vocal proponents of this narrative, warning that Israel must address the "emerging Turkish threat" alongside its ongoing confrontation with Tehran. This shift reflects a broader strategic reorientation within Israeli politics, where leaders are seeking to establish new alliances to counter perceived Sunni Arab axes led by Turkey and other regional powers.
The deteriorating relationship between Israel and Turkey has been fueled by Ankara's criticism of Israeli policies toward the Palestinians, particularly regarding Gaza and the West Bank. Turkish officials have also grown closer to Arab nations like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, further straining ties with Israel. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unveiled plans to form a "hexagon" of alliances with countries such as Greece and Cyprus, which historically have had antagonistic relations with Turkey. This move aims to strengthen Israel's regional influence while countering what Netanyahu describes as an emerging "radical Sunni axis."
The focus on Turkey as a threat comes at a time when Israel is already engaged in multiple high-stakes conflicts, including its ongoing military operations against Hamas in Gaza and its broader campaign against Iran. Analysts suggest that the emphasis on Turkey as a new bogeyman aligns with the political strategies of right-wing leaders like Bennett and Netanyahu, who have long relied on projecting external threats to maintain domestic unity and consolidate power. While some observers question the timing of this shift, given the simultaneous push for war against Iran, others argue that it reflects a broader pattern in Israeli politics: the need to identify new enemies as old ones are neutralized or negotiated away.
Despite its membership in NATO and decades of diplomatic ties with Israel, Turkey's growing influence in the Middle East and its alignment with Sunni Arab powers have raised concerns among Israeli policymakers. This dynamic is part of a larger geopolitical reordering that has seen traditional adversaries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt aligning more closely with Turkish interests, creating new fault lines in the region. As Israel seeks to position itself as the dominant regional power, its focus on countering Turkey reflects both strategic necessity and political expediency.
The increasing focus on Turkey as a threat underscores the complex and fluid nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics. While some analysts see this shift as an attempt to maintain Israeli hegemony in the face of shifting alliances and rising tensions, others caution that it could further destabilize the region. As
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026