Turkey builds up forces for possible war with Israel - expert

Former head of Israel's National Security Council Meir Ben-Shabbat warned that Turkey is steadily increasing its influence and military capabilities in the region, which could lead to a direct confrontation with Israel. He noted the danger of combining Erdogan's ambitions, strengthening positions in Syria, and hostile policies. After Assad's fall, Turkey strengthened in Syria, participating in financing and training new Syrian forces. Ben-Shabbat also pointed to defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the 'Blue Homeland' concept, and support for Hamas, urging Israel to seek diplomatic paths to avoid conflict.

Former head of Israel's National Security Council Meir Ben-Shabbat warned that Turkey is steadily increasing its influence and military capabilities in the region, which could eventually create conditions for a direct confrontation with Israel. In his assessment, a particularly dangerous combination is the regional ambitions of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey's strengthening positions in Syria, and hostile policies toward Israel. After the fall of Bashar Assad's regime and the reduction of Iranian military presence, Turkey gained the opportunity to strengthen its positions in Syria by participating in financing and training new Syrian armed forces, as well as expanding influence through energy and transport projects. Ben-Shabbat also noted Turkey's defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the 'Blue Homeland' concept, support for Hamas, and actions against Israel on international platforms. He urged not to consider Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa as having completely renounced his jihadist past, recalling his ties to radical structures and Turkey's role. At the same time, he emphasized that Israel should seek diplomatic paths to avoid conflict, but without concessions on security issues.