11.03.2026 07:40
The U.S. press evaluated the statements of Netanyahu and Bennett targeting Turkey as a search for a new threat after Iran. Analyses emphasized that portraying Turkey as an existential threat could be a strategically dangerous and counterproductive approach for Israel.
The statement by former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who referred to Turkey as "the new Iran" while evaluating Turkey's increasing influence in the Middle East, sparked debate in the international community. Analyses published in the U.S. emphasized that this analogy is flawed, and some American politicians also reacted to Bennett's remarks.
CRITICISM OF BENNETT FROM ANALYSTS
In analyses based in the U.S., it was noted that comparing Turkey's role in the region to that of Iran could be a misguided approach. Analysts emphasized that Turkey does not pursue a policy of arming terrorist groups to carry out attacks like Iran does.
Experts also expressed that viewing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as "an existential threat" could be a dangerous and counterproductive approach for Israel.
"IT CAN LEAD TO STRATEGIC MISCALCULATIONS"
It was suggested in the analyses that portraying Turkey as the "new Iran" is a narrative used for political purposes. It was claimed that figures like Bennett and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have gained political advantage from this narrative.
Experts warned that depicting Turkey as an inter-civilizational enemy is incorrect and that this approach could lead to strategic miscalculations.
REACTION FROM AMERICAN POLITICIANS
U.S. House of Representatives member Anna Paulina Luna also reacted to Bennett's remarks on social media. In her post, Luna stated, "Turkey is not the new Iran."
Luna, who is a member of the House Oversight Committee, expressed support for Ankara, stating that the U.S. will continue to develop its relations with Turkey.
"TURKEY IS A NATO MEMBER COUNTRY"
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent figure from the Republican side in the U.S. and a former Congress member, also reacted to Bennett's statements. Greene reminded that Turkey is a NATO member, saying, "Turkey is a NATO member country. Everyone wake up."
The report also highlighted that Turkey is one of the strong actors in the region due to having the second-largest army in NATO, being strategically located between Europe and the Middle East, and being an important economic power.