Israel must stop Erdogan’s military expansion before Turkey reaches its borders – opinion

A senior Israeli intelligence official has warned that Turkey's military expansion, driven by President Erdogan's Islamist-jihadist ambitions, poses a significant threat to Israel's northern and maritime borders. The 2025 Nagel Commission report also cautioned about potential direct confrontation with Ankara and its Syrian proxies, stating, "The threat from Syria could evolve into something even more dangerous than the Iranian threat." This concern reportedly led to an Israeli airstrike near Idlib, Syria, targeting a Turkish radar and air defense system. The article suggests that Erdogan, described as an "old-school antisemite," aims to lead a pan-Islamic coalition against Israel while aligning with Russia, China, and Iran. Israel's recent strike was a signal against Turkish air intrusion, and further action is expected if Turkey continues its military expansion in Syria or rebuilds the Syrian air force. The article also highlights the immediate threat from Turkey's growing navy and recommends a substantial buildup of the Israeli navy. It concludes that Israel will adopt a proactive defense posture, striking if necessary, rather than returning to past containment policies.