Israel and Turkey Compete for Regional Hegemony – Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs

A recent report from the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs indicates a growing strategic competition between Israel and Turkey for regional hegemony in the Middle East. This rivalry is fueled by a U.S. strategic shift that increasingly views Turkey as a significant regional actor, potentially assuming roles traditionally held by Israel, particularly in managing Middle Eastern affairs and engaging with Arab states concerned about Iranian influence. Israel is concerned about Turkey's growing influence in the Palestinian arena, Syria, and the Eastern Mediterranean, and is actively lobbying against the potential U.S. sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, arguing it would undermine Israel's Qualitative Military Edge (QME).

Netanyahu raised "the gravity of President Erdoğan’s and his associates’ statements questioning the legitimacy of the State of Israel."

Jerusalem is also seeking a comprehensive American compensation package if the sale proceeds. Senior Israeli security officials believe that Turkey, with its strong military and expanding defense industry, has become Israel's principal strategic competitor, with the rivalry unfolding across multiple theaters.