Turkey is Israel's biggest long-term challenge, more than Iran: Hebrew newspaper

In Israel's security thinking, Turkey is now seen as a major challenge, along with Iran. A military analysis published in the Israeli media Maariv said that Ankara's military modernization, self-reliance in the defense industry and expansion of regional influence are creating major strategic concerns for Israel in the long term.

The report said that Turkey currently has the second largest army in NATO. At the same time, the country has made great progress in its own defense industry in the last two decades. The NATO Secretary General also mentioned Turkey's defense capabilities and the second largest army in NATO in 2024.

The analysis also said that Turkey is now much more self-sufficient in the production of military equipment than before. The country's dependence on foreign military imports has decreased from about 80 percent in 2004 to about 20 percent in 2023, according to a report.

As a result of this development, Turkey is playing a more active role not only in the Middle East, but also in the Eastern Mediterranean, Syria, Libya and regional security politics. According to Israeli analysts, this rise of Turkey is becoming an important issue for Israel from both military and geopolitical perspectives.

Relations between Israel and Turkey have deteriorated steadily in recent years. Tensions between the two countries have increased over the Gaza war, the situation in Syria, the Eastern Mediterranean and the expansion of regional influence. Erdogan recently commented that Israel's attacks on Syria and Lebanon are also a threat to Turkey's security.

However, analysts believe that the possibility of a direct conflict between Turkey and Israel is not high right now. Rather, the competition between the two countries is more visible in the areas of diplomacy, military preparedness, regional influence and security alliances.

According to Maariv's analysis, Iran is still an important security issue for Israeli policymakers. However, Turkey's military strength, defense industry, and political influence are re-evaluating Ankara as a long-term strategic rival.

Overall, Turkey's role in the balance of power in the Middle East is growing. That is why Turkey is now more important than ever in Israeli security discussions.