The known animosity between Iran and Israel is not the only regional tension, as Turkey also takes a notable place on Israel's strategic radar. Recently, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett expressed concerns that Turkey is becoming the 'new Iran'. He asserted that Turkey is working to position Saudi Arabia against Israel by attempting to establish a 'Sunni Axis'. Let's delve into this unfolding scenario...
Bennett warns of Turkish President Erdogan's shrewd and potentially dangerous tactics that may encircle Israel over time. According to Bennett, while Iran pressures Israel through proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis, Turkey is leveraging its diplomatic legitimacy and economic prowess to mount a more organized challenge.
Sunni Axis and Saudi Arabia's 'U-turn'
Bennett's principal concern centers around the emergent 'Sunni Axis' among Turkey, Qatar, and Pakistan. He claims Turkey has diverted Saudi Arabia from the path of normalizing relations with Israel. The attacks on October 7, 2023, have led to a hardening of Saudi Arabia's stance, as they were in dialogues for normalization with Israel amidst US encouragement to improve ties.
Source: aajtak
Continual news suggests Saudi Arabia's pursuit of nuclear capability at whatever cost, reportedly negotiating with the US to initiate a civilian nuclear program. Although claims vary regarding their true intent—nuclear weapons—this discussion ceased post Hamas-attacks, shifting the Middle East's strategic scales and dimming prospects for Israel-Saudi agreements while prompting Saudi to seek new alliances.
Nuclear-armed Pakistan and Turkey's Strategic Moves
By September 2025, Saudi Arabia and nuclear-capable Pakistan had formed a 'Strategic Defense Agreement' (SMDA), interpreting attacks on one as attacks on both. Now, talk suggests Turkey's potential inclusion in this alliance, prompting some experts to liken it to an 'Islamic NATO'. There are murmurs of Pakistan possibly sharing nuclear capabilities with Saudi Arabia.
Source: aajtak
Furthermore, Turkey is reportedly gaining nautical leverage alongside Pakistan with a naval base near Karachi, potentially exerting pressure on Israel’s trade routes across the Red and Indian Seas.
The Role of Qatar
In Bennett's view, Qatar acts as 'cashier' and 'propaganda machine' in this equation. Known for wielding economic might and media networks like Al Jazeera, Qatar allegedly supports this Sunni Axis ideologically, driving ideologies such as the Muslim Brotherhood that challenge Israel's existence.
A New Challenge for Israel
Naftali Bennett suggests the October 7 attacks jolted Israel's traditional security strategies. The necessity now lies in adopting proactive strategies, as cautionary policies alone won't suffice. Despite Turkey's NATO membership, Bennett notes Turkey is crafting parallel security frameworks that might challenge Western and Israeli interests.
