Israel's 'Qualitative Edge' doctrine creates regional vulnerability

Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has articulated concerns regarding Türkiye's growing influence in Syria, drawing parallels to the "Iranian penetration" in Lebanon. Gallant, who faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, argues that Israel must take this perceived threat seriously to prevent a military establishment from emerging close enough to degrade its defensive capabilities against Iran, Lebanon, and Syria.

Gallant's perspective is anchored in Israel's core military doctrine: maintaining a "qualitative military edge" as the region's most powerful nation. This doctrine views any potential military parity with another country as anathema, assuming it would necessitate Israel's self-defense against such a rival, even theoretically. This worldview shapes Israel's policy decisions and actions, aiming to preempt any challenge to its power.

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We cannot allow a military establishment so close that it degrades our ability to defend ourselves against Iran, against Lebanon, and against Syria itself.

The article suggests that Gallant's focus on this doctrine ironically highlights Israel's own perceived fears and vulnerabilities. His analysis of Türkiye's influence in Syria posits that a Syrian army rebuilt with Turkish support would be answerable to Ankara. Consequently, Israel seeks to ensure that such a military force would, in some measure, be answerable to Tel Aviv instead.

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a Syrian army rebuilt with Turkish systems, by Turkish trainers, is a Syrian army that answers in some measure to Ankara.

This strategy extends to Israel's international cooperation, where Gallant praises friendly countries for "partnering with Israel, not against it." This approach is presented as a more "productive route" in international relations, aligning with a rules-based international order as interpreted by Israel. However, the article critiques this perspective, questioning Israel's unilateral right to define "productive routes," especially given the historical destruction resulting from its preferred strategies.

Gallant expresses regret over the current state of Israel-Türkiye relations, implying a shift from a previous, more cooperative dynamic. The article implies that this deterioration is not solely due to Türkiye's actions but also reflects Israel's own strategic calculations and its unwavering pursuit of regional military dominance.

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has already been proven as a far more productive route.