Controversial Remarks by Israeli Minister: “Turkey Is a Major Threat to Us”

One of the ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet declared that Turkey is currently the largest threat to Israel.

According to Rokna, citing Israel’s i24 News, Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism, warned in an interview with Israel’s Kan network that Turkey is at present the greatest threat to Israel.

He said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan are pursuing “a highly aggressive foreign policy” in the region.

Chikli pointed to Turkey’s growing military presence in northern Syria, including the construction of bases to support members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and described it as a direct security concern for Israel. Emphasizing the strategic dangers posed by Ankara’s activities and influence, he stated that Israel should recognize that “evil will come from the north.”

The minister called on Tel Aviv to strengthen its political and economic relations with regional partners, describing Cyprus, Greece, and Italy as key allies. He also urged increased Israeli cooperation across the Eastern Mediterranean to “counter regional threats and bolster security and economic interests.”

On military matters, Chikli reiterated Israel’s opposition to the sale of F-35 fighter jets to countries in the region, stating that such deals should only be considered if linked to broader normalization agreements with Israel.

He also addressed Israel’s stance on the establishment of a Palestinian state, asserting that creating such a state would not be accepted as part of any potential normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia.

According to a report by RFI (Radio France Internationale), Chikli claimed that deepening Israel’s cooperation with Greece and Cyprus is intended to counter Turkey’s growing threat.

Claiming that Israel views Erdoğan’s Turkey as a “new Iran,” Chikli added: “Erdoğan’s doctrine is extremely dangerous. This doctrine is very dangerous for Israel, and we see Erdoğan’s Turkey as the new Iran — nothing less. This doctrine is also very dangerous for Cyprus and for Greece.”

This month, Israeli and Greek warships held joint military exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean. These drills followed similar exercises conducted by their air forces.