Amichai Shikli Identifies Syria as Israel’s Greatest Security Threat Amid Hezbollah Crisis

During a Channel 14 security conference broadcast on Tuesday, Amichai Shikli, Israel’s Minister for the Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism, identified Syria as the most significant threat facing Israel today. He attributed this threat in part to Turkish financial support to Syria. Shikli also highlighted the severe crisis Hezbollah is undergoing, both operationally and politically, emphasizing that Israel will not withdraw from Lebanon until the terrorist organization is fully dismantled.

Shikli stated, "The main problem right now is Syria, with its Turkish funding." He described the current situation in Lebanon as unprecedented, with Hezbollah weakened. Regarding Turkey, Shikli warned that it is gradually succeeding Iran as a regional power, with Israel as its next target.

Earlier in the conference, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a direct warning to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, cautioning against interference. Katz said, "The Muslim Brotherhood axis could be very dangerous. We are responsible for protecting our interests, and I suggest Erdogan not to mess with us." These statements underscore escalating tensions between Israel, Syria, Hezbollah, and Turkey.

The conference reflects Israel’s strategic concerns about regional threats and its firm stance on Hezbollah’s presence in Lebanon, signaling no intention to retreat until the group is neutralized.