Former Mossad Official Warns Erdogan's Growing Threat to Israel and Europe

Oded Eilam, former head of the Mossad's terrorism division, warned in a 103FM interview on August 21, 2026, about the serious threat posed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Israel and Europe. Eilam described Erdogan's strategy as a multi-year plan involving creeping annexation of entire regions, which includes attempts to deploy advanced systems that could disrupt Israeli Air Force operations targeting Iran.

Eilam praised Israel for drawing a clear red line against Turkey's provocations, highlighting Erdogan's complex tactics of advancing and retreating while acknowledging Israel's military strength. He noted Erdogan's long-term buildup, including the most impressive naval force in the Mediterranean, which poses a threat not only to Israel but also to Europe, particularly Bulgaria and Greece.

Additionally, Eilam pointed out Erdogan's leverage over Europe through control of refugee flows, receiving approximately $200 to $250 million annually to prevent refugees from reaching Europe. He described Europeans as frightened and suggested that this situation is convenient for the Americans. Eilam also criticized the US ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrett, for inflammatory rhetoric and exaggerations about Turkish military activity, cautioning against taking such statements at face value.