Bennett: Erdoğan's Turkey is the New Iran

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warned that Turkey under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan poses a strategic threat to Israel. Speaking at the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations 2026 in Jerusalem, Bennett described Erdoğan as "a sophisticated and dangerous adversary who wants to encircle Israel."

Bennett referred to the formation of an axis of concern, linking Turkey, Qatar, and the Muslim Brotherhood with Pakistan's nuclear capabilities. According to him, this alliance is attempting to incite hostility against Israel, even influencing Saudi Arabia.

"A new Turkish threat is emerging. We must act in different ways, but simultaneously, against both the threat from Tehran and the hostility from Ankara," Bennett stated.

He also criticized the current political leadership of Israel, arguing that the country is divided and that the leadership has failed to protect it. He pledged a "new chapter" for Israel.