Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has described Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as 'the new Iran,' warning that it poses a growing threat to both Israel and regional stability. Bennett made the remarks during a security conference in Tel Aviv on June 8, 2026, according to Israeli media reports verified by web search.
Bennett's comments come amid heightened tensions between Israel and Turkey. In recent months, Erdogan has repeatedly criticized Israel's policies toward Palestinians and has strengthened ties with Hamas, which Israel and many Western nations designate as a terrorist organization. Turkey has also expanded its military presence in Syria and Iraq, raising concerns in neighboring countries.
However, analysts note that Turkey's influence differs from Iran's in key ways. Unlike Iran, Turkey is a NATO member and maintains diplomatic relations with Israel, though these have fluctuated. A 2025 report by the International Crisis Group found that while Turkey's assertive foreign policy has alarmed some allies, it has not directly threatened Israel's security through proxies or nuclear ambitions.
Bennett's characterization has been disputed by Turkish officials. On June 9, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tanju Bilgiรง stated that 'Turkey is a force for stability in the region, not a threat,' and accused Bennett of 'provocative rhetoric.' The United States has called for de-escalation, with State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller saying on June 9 that 'we encourage dialogue between NATO allies.'
