Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has increasingly portrayed Turkey as a major security threat to Israel as the country prepares for general elections in October.
The issue intensified after Israeli fighter jets struck the Abu al-Duhur airbase in northern Syria on August 18. Israeli officials said the operation targeted an emerging Turkish military presence involving personnel, drones and air-defence systems that could restrict Israel’s freedom of action in Syrian airspace.
The strike has, however, sparked debate over whether the threat was purely strategic or whether Netanyahu is using tensions with Turkey to strengthen his political position. US envoy to Syria and ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack criticized the attack as an “unnecessary escalation” and suggested that political considerations could have influenced the timing.
Netanyahu has rejected that interpretation, insisting that Israel will not allow a Turkish military presence to become established in Syria if it threatens Israeli security.
The Israeli leader has also intensified his criticism of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling him an “antisemitic tyrant.” The two leaders have been involved in a long-running dispute, particularly over Israel’s wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. Erdogan has repeatedly condemned Netanyahu’s policies and accused Israel of atrocities in Gaza, while Netanyahu has accused Erdogan of supporting Hamas.
The controversy comes as Netanyahu faces political pressure ahead of the October election. His Likud Party has already featured Erdogan alongside the leaders of Iran, Hezbollah and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in an election billboard portraying them as opponents seeking Netanyahu’s defeat.
Some Israeli opposition figures have defended the military strike but questioned the government’s decision to publicly celebrate it. Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak accused Netanyahu of potentially using security tensions to alarm voters and improve his electoral prospects.
Security analyst Amos Harel said both explanations could be valid: Turkey’s growing military activity in Syria may represent a genuine concern for Israel, while Netanyahu may also see the emerging Turkey-Syria confrontation as an opportunity to reshape the political landscape.
With the election approaching, tensions between Israel and Turkey could therefore become both a significant regional security issue and a central theme in Netanyahu’s campaign.
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