With Israel’s parliamentary elections scheduled for October, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has placed Turkey at the center of his security messaging. A large billboard on Tel Aviv’s main highway depicts Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan alongside leaders of Iran, Hezbollah and the mayor of New York City, under the slogan, “They want Netanyahu to lose. Don’t let them win.”
Recent military action fuels the narrative
Just days after the billboard went up, Israeli jets struck the Abu al‑Dahar airbase in northern Syria. Israeli officials said the strike targeted an emerging Turkish military buildup that could threaten Israel’s freedom of action in Syrian airspace. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported intelligence indicating Turkey planned to deploy personnel, drones and air‑defense systems at the site.
Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz framed the operation as a necessary defensive measure, warning that a Turkish presence in Syria would alter the strategic balance and endanger Israeli security.
Political timing draws scrutiny
The proximity of the strike to the election campaign has sparked debate both in Israel and abroad. Critics argue the timing suggests a political motive to boost Netanyahu’s standing with voters who prioritize security. Tom Barrack, former U.S. envoy to Syria and ambassador to Turkey, called the strike an “unnecessary escalation” and suggested Israel may be trying to bait Turkey ahead of the vote.
Turkey rejected the Israeli account as “untenable,” accusing Netanyahu of pursuing expansionist and destabilizing policies before the October elections. The Turkish government reiterated its commitment to cooperate with Syria on a legitimate basis for peace and stability.
Historical feud adds context
Netanyahu’s rhetoric toward Erdogan has intensified in recent years. The prime minister’s office recently labeled Erdogan an “antisemitic tyrant who oppresses his own people” on social media. Their public feud dates back to the Gaza, Lebanon and Iran conflicts, with Erdogan accusing Netanyahu of war crimes and Netanyahu alleging Turkish support for Hamas.
Netanyahu has also opposed the sale of U.S. F‑35 fighter jets to Turkey, warning of Ankara’s “aggressive ambitions” in the region.
Domestic critics question the strategy
Opposition leader Yair Lapid, while defending the operation as justified, cautioned that striking when necessary is important, but urged restraint in public statements afterward. Left‑wing leader Yair Golan called the strike “provocative and dangerous,” and former prime minister Ehud Barak suggested the escalation “strongly reeks of a political intention to influence the election.”
Analysts note that Netanyahu’s long‑standing “Mr. Security” image has helped him weather political storms, but with his bloc trailing in recent polls, a new security crisis could reshape the electoral landscape.
Broader regional implications
Israel’s broader strategy, according to senior security analyst Amos Harel, seeks to establish buffer zones along its borders in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria following the 2023 Oct. 7 attacks. The recent Syrian operation extends that approach, aiming to prevent a Turkish foothold that could limit Israeli operational freedom.
While the Israeli government emphasizes the operational necessity of the strike, the timing and rhetoric suggest a dual motive of addressing a perceived threat and reinforcing Netanyahu’s security credentials ahead of the national elections.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
