Israeli Minister Warns of Possible Turkish Military Attack Amid Rising Tensions

Amid a sharp deterioration in Israel-Turkey relations, Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, Amichai Shikli (Likud), issued a severe security warning on Thursday. In an interview with Kan News on Reshet Bet, Shikli stated that a direct Turkish military action against Israel is "definitely possible." This unprecedented alert follows recent reports of advanced negotiations between Turkey and the United States regarding the purchase of F-35 fighter jets. The potential deal gained momentum after U.S. President Donald Trump met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the NATO summit in Ankara, where Trump indicated the U.S. administration is seriously considering reinstating Turkey into the stealth fighter program.

Shikli openly criticized the current U.S. administration and NATO's approach toward Erdogan, describing their close ties with the Turkish leader as a significant strategic threat to Israel. He emphasized that the military strengthening of Turkey under Western auspices poses a real danger that Israel may have to confront in the coming years. The minister’s remarks highlight the growing unease in Jerusalem over Turkey’s expanding military capabilities and the geopolitical implications of Western support for Ankara.