"Former Prime Minister who called Erdoğan a 'dangerous rival' makes scandalous call for Turkey."

18.02.2026 07:00

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated, "Turkey is the new Iran. Erdoğan is a cunning and dangerous rival," calling on Israel to take action against Turkey.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, in a social media post, targeted Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, calling for the establishment of an international strategy against Ankara. Bennett described Turkey as the "new Iran," arguing that its regional policies pose a serious threat to Israel.

Bennett referred to the 2026 Presidential Conference in his post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Turkey is the new Iran; Erdoğan is a cunning and dangerous rival." The former prime minister criticized Turkey's moves in Syria, Gaza, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Africa, claiming that these developments pose risks to Israeli security.

"TURKEY HAS CREATED AN AXIS SIMILAR TO IRAN"

In his post, Bennett claimed that Turkey's regional influence has created an axis similar to Iran, stating, "I warn you: Turkey is the new Iran. Erdoğan is a cunning and dangerous rival who wants to encircle Israel. We must not close our eyes again." Bennett also brought up Turkey's relationship with radical elements in Qatar and Syria.

"WE MUST ACT IN SIMULTANEOUS WAYS"

The former prime minister argued, "We must act against the threat from Tehran and the hostility from Ankara in different but simultaneous ways," asserting that Israel needs to develop a coordinated strategy against both Iran and Turkey.

Bennett's statement came at a time when relations between Turkey and Israel have been tense for a long time. Ankara's quest for an active role in Middle Eastern politics and Gaza has led to criticism from the Israeli side.