The Daily Populous Tuesday January 7th, 2025 day edition
Authored by jpost.com and submitted by tryyourbesti

Israel must prepare for a direct confrontation with Turkey, according to the Nagel Committee's latest report on the defense budget and security strategy.

The committee, established by the government, warns that Turkey’s ambitions to restore its Ottoman-era influence could lead to heightened tensions with Israel, possibly escalating into conflict.

The report highlights the risk of Syrian factions aligning with Turkey, creating a new and potent threat to Israel’s security.

“The threat from Syria could evolve into something even more dangerous than the Iranian threat,” the report states, warning that Turkish-backed forces might act as proxies, fueling regional instability.

The committee’s assessment comes amid Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's increasingly assertive policies in the region, which some analysts view as antagonistic to Israel's interests. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses his supporters following his victory in the second round of the presidential election at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey May 29, 2023. (credit: UMIT BEKTAS/REUTERS)

The Nagel Committee submitted its recommendations to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday, outlining a comprehensive strategy to address emerging threats.

The committee proposes increasing the defense budget by up to NIS 15 billion annually over the next five years to ensure the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are equipped to handle challenges posed by Turkey, alongside other regional threats.

Netanyahu addressed the report, stating, “We are witnessing fundamental changes in the Middle East. Iran has long been our greatest threat, but new forces are entering the arena, and we must be prepared for the unexpected. This report provides us with a roadmap to secure Israel’s future.”

To prepare for a potential confrontation with Turkey, the committee recommended the following measures: Stay updated with the latest news! Subscribe to The Jerusalem Post Newsletter Subscribe Now

Advanced weaponry: Acquiring additional F-15 fighter jets, refueling aircraft, drones, and satellites to strengthen Israel’s long-range strike capabilities.

Air defense systems: Enhancing multi-layered air defense capabilities, including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow systems, and the newly operational Iron Beam laser-based defense system.

Border security: Constructing a fortified security barrier along the Jordan Valley, which would mark a significant shift in Israel's defensive strategy despite potential diplomatic ramifications with Jordan.

--Muther-- on January 7th, 2025 at 10:03 UTC »

Doesn't this have the same issue as with Israel vs Iran?

They share no land border and it's 300km and two countries between them. Neither country have significant force projection capacity, other than air strikes.

Seems pure fantasy.

kantmeout on January 7th, 2025 at 08:51 UTC »

This would put America in an awkward position to say the least. We would have to choose an ally, and if this were to happen under Trump we would have the added complication of him owning a major property in Turkey (which will a priority for him). Then there's the question of European countries that are also a part of NATO and may not feel they have a choice because of Turkey's strategic location and the fear of being deluged with more refugees. Let us hope this is nothing more then hot air.

kjleebio on January 7th, 2025 at 07:47 UTC »

What would turkey bring in onto the Middle east game table? How will Turkey, be a threat to Israel?