While Israel Digests the Election Results, Erdogan Establishes Facts on the Ground - and Targets the Northern Border | Dr. Eitan Lesri

Dr. Eitan Lesri analyzes the visit of Bilal Erdogan to Beirut as part of a Turkish effort to expand influence in Lebanon and Syria, exploiting the political vacuum in Israel and the weakening of Hezbollah. According to reports, the possibility of deploying Turkish forces on the northern border after 2027 was raised.

While Israel is busy with coalition negotiations after the elections, Turkish President Erdogan is advancing moves to expand Ankara's influence in the Middle East. Evidence of this is the unusual visit of his son, Bilal Erdogan, to Beirut accompanied by Turkish businessmen and representatives, and his meetings with President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Druze leader Walid Jumblatt. The visit aims to establish a Turkish presence through investments, infrastructure, and social and religious institutions. According to a report in the Lebanese newspaper 'Al-Akhbar', Bilal Erdogan raised the possibility of deploying Turkish forces along the border with Israel after the end of the UNIFIL mandate in 2027. Meanwhile, Turkey is deepening its involvement in Syria and posing a challenge to Israeli interests. The article warns that the 'cold war' between the countries could escalate into a direct military confrontation.

While Israel Digests the Election Results, Erdogan Establishes Facts on the Ground - and Targets the Northern Border | Dr. Eitan Lesri