Turkey may change from rival to enemy amid Middle East shifts, security officials warn

Israeli security officials assess Turkey as a rival, not an enemy, but warn the status could shift amid regional changes. Officials say Turkey seeks to strengthen an anti-Israel Sunni axis. They rejected Syrian and Turkish denials of prior warnings before an Israeli strike, which was approved by the IDF chief of staff to send a message without harming people. Israel is monitoring Turkey's efforts to reach its border via Syria and Gaza.

Israeli security officials assess Turkey as a rival, not an enemy, but warn the situation could change amid ongoing Middle East shifts. According to assessments within the security establishment, Turkey seeks to strengthen a Sunni axis that is, among other things, anti-Israel. The officials rejected Syrian and Turkish denials, saying warnings were issued before a strike but ignored by the parties involved. The decision to carry out the strike was made under close scrutiny and following recommendations from Israeli intelligence and the Israeli Air Force, including pressure from IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, in order to send a message while clearly avoiding harm to people. Security officials clarified that Israel's commitment after October 7 is to identify threats and eliminate them at their earliest stages. This commitment is reflected in the context of the Syrian-Turkish process. Security officials also said that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is known to have deep hatred toward Hezbollah and the Iranians. Israel is also monitoring the dynamics between Lebanon and Syria to ensure that certain geographic areas do not become lawless zones. Meanwhile, security officials hinted that Turkey is working to reach Israel's border not only through Syrian territory but also through additional routes, such as the Gaza Strip. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said Sunday that following the strike in Syria, talks with Israel had been halted and no date had been set for their renewal.