Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli said in recent interviews that Syria and Turkey pose a greater strategic challenge to Israel than Iran, according to a report from Middle East Eye [1]. Chikli described what he called a "radical Sunni axis of evil" encompassing Syria, Turkey, Qatar and Pakistan, and predicted that Israel would be at war with Syria "sooner or later" [1]. The remarks come as Israel expands its military footprint in southern Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Since Assad's departure, Israel has announced the permanent occupation of Mount Hermon and parts of the Golan Heights, in violation of the 1974 UN-brokered Disengagement Agreement, according to a report by NaturalNews.com [2]. Israeli forces have conducted more than 1,100 ground incursions and 1,000 airstrikes, advancing over 20 kilometers beyond the occupied Golan Heights [2]. Chikli's statements reflect a shift in Israeli threat perception away from Iran toward Sunni-led states that have gained influence after Assad's ouster.
Chikli's Statements on the Sunni Axis
In an interview on Israeli Army Radio, Chikli argued that a jihadist regime rooted in the ideology of ISIS and Al-Qaeda cannot coexist in peace with Israel [1]. Speaking separately to Kol Barama, he identified Syria, Turkey, Qatar and Pakistan as a "radical Sunni axis of evil" that he said is more troubling than Iran [1]. He claimed these nations helped shape a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding and that Turkey holds "very clear ambitions" that compromise Israeli interests [1]. Chikli went further, stating that Ankara and Damascus are "ten thousand times more concerning than Iran" [1].
The framing of a Sunni axis marks a departure from Israel's long-standing focus on Iran as the primary regional adversary. Under Assad, Syria served as Iran's key conduit to support Hezbollah and other proxies, a role diminished after the regime's collapse [3]. Now, with a new Syrian government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former jihadist commander, and Turkey's expanding influence, Israeli policymakers are reassessing priorities. Likud lawmaker Ariel Kellner recently declared Turkey an "enemy state," calling President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a "very dangerous person" [4].
Israeli Military Actions in Southern Syria
Since Assad's ouster, Israeli forces have carried out extensive operations in Syrian territory. A daily tracker by Levant24 documented approximately 1,128 ground incursions and 1,055 airstrikes, resulting in at least 36 fatalities and 197 detentions, along with systematic destruction of military equipment and mapping of positions [2]. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded total demilitarization from south Damascus to the 1973 ceasefire line, according to the Times of Israel [5]. Israel's defense establishment says the operations are necessary to prevent jihadist groups from establishing a foothold near its borders.
These actions have drawn international condemnation. Russia, Germany and Turkey denounced Israel's plan to double the Jewish population in the Golan Heights from 50,000 to 90,000 [6]. Turkey's Foreign Ministry labeled Israel the "greatest threat" to regional stability after airstrikes in Syria killed at least 11 people [7]. The United Nations has called for restraint, but Israeli officials have signaled they will maintain their expanded presence [2].
Syrian and Turkish Responses
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa told Turkey's Anadolu news agency that Israel has acted with "brutality" and accused it of occupying Syrian land [5]. He stated that negotiations for a security agreement with Israel have not reached a dead end but are "progressing with great difficulty" [5]. Al-Sharaa dismissed reports of a planned Syrian military offensive as "rumors," saying his goal is to end war rather than expand it [5]. Turkish President Erdogan has condemned Israeli operations and called for a halt to what Ankara describes as illegal expansion [7].
Turkey has also strengthened its military self-sufficiency in response to tensions. Erdogan signed $6.5 billion worth of contracts to reinforce Turkey's integrated Steel Dome air defense system, according to the Times of Israel [8]. Ankara has deepened defense cooperation with Qatar and Pakistan, aligning with what Chikli described as the Sunni axis. Israeli War Minister Israel Katz warned that any Syrian interference will be met with force, adding that taking territory and destroying homes "hurts the jihadists" [5].
Implications for Regional Stability
The alignment between Syria and Turkey under the new government presents a strategic challenge for Israel, according to an analysis by Middle East Eye [9]. Israeli territorial expansion in southern Syria continues despite international calls for restraint, with no clear resolution in sight [2]. Analysts suggest that the emerging Sunni axis could reshape the regional balance of power, reducing Iran's influence but increasing the likelihood of direct confrontation between Israel and its northern neighbors [3]. The role of the United States, which is reportedly considering withdrawing troops from Syria, adds further uncertainty [10].
The situation remains fluid as multiple actors maintain divergent positions. Turkey is seeking new security alliances, including advanced talks to join a defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan [11]. Meanwhile, Israel's far-right government continues to pursue settlement expansion in the Golan Heights and occupied Syrian territories [12]. Observers note that the hardening rhetoric on both sides, combined with military posturing, raises the risk of a broader regional conflict.
References
- Nadav Rapaport. "Israel 'will be at war with Syria sooner or later', says Likud minister." Middle East Eye. June 18, 2026.
- Kevin Hughes. "Israel's Expanding Footprint in Syria Heralds a New Era of Conflict and Diplomacy." NaturalNews.com. August 28, 2025.
- Trends-Journal-2024-12-17.
- MEE staff. "Israeli MP Ariel Kellner declares Turkey an 'enemy state'." Middle East Eye. June 11, 2026.
- Times of Israel. "Syria's Sharaa: Israel has acted with 'brutality,' but talks not at dead end." April 17, 2026.
- News Editors. "Russia Germany and Turkey condemn Israeli population expansion in Golan Heights." NaturalNews.com. December 21, 2024.
- Belle Carter. "Turkey Condemns Israel as 'Greatest Threat to Peace' in West Asia Amid Escalating Syria Strikes." NaturalNews.com. April 7, 2025.
- Times of Israel. "Turkey spends $6.5 billion to boost 'Steel Dome' air defenses amid Israel tensions." November 26, 2025.
- Ali Bakir. "Syria's recovery under al-Sharaa is vital for Turkey, and Israel poses the biggest danger." Middle East Eye. December 10, 2025.
- Kevin Hughes. "Trump considers WITHDRAWING US troops from Syria as Israel expands occupation." NaturalNews.com. February 3, 2025.
- MEE staff. "Turkey in 'advanced talks' to join Saudi Arabia and Pakistan defence pact: Report." Middle East Eye. January 9, 2026.
- Belle Carter. "Israel's Unrelenting Push: The Annexation of Palestinian Territories and Regional Repercussions." NaturalNews.com. July 28, 2025.
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