New Regional Axis Concerns Israeli Minister
An Israeli minister from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party has asserted that Turkey and Syria present a more significant concern than Iran, citing the emergence of what he termed a “Muslim Brotherhood axis.” The statement was made during the JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem on Tuesday.
Shifting Regional Dynamics
Amichai Chikli, the Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs, stated that “Turkiye of Erdogan and Syria of al-Sharaa are now far more concerning than Iran.” He further elaborated that the previous era of an “empire” led by Iran, Syria under the Assad regime, and Hezbollah is now waning. According to Chikli, a new alignment is forming, characterized as a “Muslim Brotherhood axis of Erdogan’s Turkiye, Syria and Qatar,” and urged for immediate recognition of this shift.
Past Warnings and Perceptions
Chikli has previously voiced concerns about potential conflict, warning that Israel “will be at war with Syria.” He has also described a “radical Sunni axis of evil,” specifically naming Turkey, Qatar, and Pakistan. The minister expressed strong reservations about the co-existence of a “jihadist regime rooted in Isis [Islamic State] and al-Qaeda,” which he believes aspires to control Jerusalem, and the State of Israel. This characterization was directed at the government in northwest Syria, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, which has roots in a former al-Qaeda affiliate.
Growing Tensions with Turkey
These remarks come at a time of increasing friction between Turkey and Israel. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has recently indicated that Israeli military actions in Syria and Lebanon are perceived as a threat to Turkey’s security. Earlier in the month, Likud politician Ariel Kellner labeled Turkey an “enemy state.” Similarly, Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar suggested in the preceding month that Israel should adopt a stance treating Turkey as an adversary, implying significant repercussions for Turkey in any potential conflict.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also indicated a perception of Turkey as an adversary, stating in February that “Turkey is the new Iran.” Analysis published on Tuesday by the Israeli newspaper Maariv echoed these sentiments, suggesting that Turkey now represents a more substantial long-term challenge to Israel than Iran. The analysis pointed to Ankara’s expanding military capabilities and its growing defense industry, noting that Israeli policymakers are increasingly focusing on Turkey’s rising influence and capabilities, alongside more traditional regional security considerations.
