World · Middle East · 1 hr ago
Israeli security forum head warns of Turkey’s growing regional influence
Retired Israeli brigadier general Erez Winner warned about Turkey’s growing regional influence at a diplomatic conference in Tel Aviv.
Winner chairs the Israel Defense and Security Forum, and his comments were about possible future shifts in regional power.
He argued that Turkey, rather than Iran, could become Israel’s main regional threat, and said Ankara might lead a wider Muslim bloc.
He said that bloc could influence areas from North Africa and Libya to Syria and Gaza.
Winner urged Israel to rely less on foreign supplies for weapons and military equipment, warning that dependence could be risky in a prolonged conflict.
He also called for closer intelligence cooperation between Israel, Greece and Cyprus against Turkey.
Retired Brigadier General Erez Winner warned that Turkey’s growing regional influence could pose a future threat to Israel.
Winner said Israel should prepare for a possible rise in Turkey-led regional power.
He argued that Israel should reduce its reliance on foreign supplies for ammunition and military equipment.
Winner called for continued strategic ties and intelligence cooperation between Israel, Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration.
He made the remarks at a diplomatic conference organized by The Jerusalem Post in Tel Aviv.
- Who
- Erez Winner, head of the Israel Defense and Security Forum and a retired brigadier general.
- What
- He warned that Turkey’s growing regional influence could pose a threat to Israel and urged Israel to prepare.
- When
- The article was published on October 13, 2026. The conference date was not stated.
- Where
- At a diplomatic conference in Tel Aviv organized by The Jerusalem Post.
- Why
- Winner said Turkey could gain greater geopolitical influence and become a leading power in a possible Muslim bloc.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Speaker
- Erez Winner
- Event
- The Jerusalem Post’s Diplomatic Conference
- Location
- Tel Aviv
- Article publication
- October 13, 2026
- Proposed intelligence cooperation
- Israel, Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration
What people are saying
The threat to Israel should now be expected not from Iran, but from Turkey. The ring of fire emerging under Ankara’s leadership is rapidly surrounding Tel Aviv.
Israel should be prepared for this.
Dependence on external sources could pose a great risk in the event of a prolonged conflict. Therefore, Israel must ensure self-sufficiency in its defense industry.
We must maintain the strategic rapprochement between Greece, the Greek Cypriot administration and Israel. In particular, we must develop unity in intelligence against Turkey.
Sources
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