Turkey's regional ambitions shift focus to Israel as a rival

Turkey's long-standing hostility towards Israel, often framed through support for the Palestinians and sympathy for groups like Hamas, appears to be evolving. Ankara may now be viewing Israel not just as a point of contention regarding Palestinian issues, but as a direct regional rival and a national security challenge.

This potential shift in perspective is not going unnoticed in Jerusalem. Voices within Israel and among its international supporters are increasingly portraying Turkey as an emerging threat, drawing parallels with Iran. Such a development presents a complex challenge for U.S. policymakers, who view both Ankara as a NATO ally and Israel as a crucial partner.

The evolving dynamics were highlighted by a recent Israeli airstrike in Syria, reportedly intended to signal to Turkey against expanding its role in the war-torn country. An Al-Jazeera article noted that "Ankara views Israeli attempts to undermine the Syrian transition as having direct repercussions for its national security.” This suggests a growing strategic competition in Syria, where Israel's focus has shifted from countering Iranian entrenchment to being wary of Turkish presence.

Both Turkey and Israel have, in recent decades, been led by right-wing and religious parties. Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Benjamin Netanyahu have, in some ways, followed similar political trajectories, harnessing nationalistic and religious coalitions. However, while this path has led to partnership between India and Israel, it appears to be fostering a clash between Turkey and Israel.

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Ankara views Israeli attempts to undermine the Syrian transition as having direct repercussions for its national security.