Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has warned that Turkey is trying to ‘flip Saudi Arabia against Israel’ and creating a Sunni axis with nuclear-armed Pakistan to encircle us.
Speaking at the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem, Bennett described Turkey as the ‘New Iran’, while reiterating that Iran remains an existential threat to Israel.
“Turkey and Qatar have gained influence in Syria, are gaining everywhere throughout the region. I warn, Turkey is the new Iran. Erdogan is sophisticated and dangerous, and he seeks to encircle Israel. We can’t close our eyes again”.
The former Prime Minister accused some Senior Israeli officials to be on Qatars payroll.
He also added that Qatar and Turkey are nourishing the Islamic Brotherhood ‘monster’ that is growing to be as dangerous as the one created by Iran. He mentioned that Qatar and Turkey are gaining influence in Gaza and creating a choke ring for Israel.
In particular, he noted Turkey’s attempts to ‘flip’ Saudi Arabia against us and establish a ‘hostile Sunni axis with nuclear Pakistan’.
The remarks sparked attention in Pakistan, where Defence Minister Khawaja Asif shared the conference video on social media.
That is how a genocidal entity in ME will be contained, it will be inshAllah axis against tyranny, to protect defenceless Palestinians. https://t.co/5KeT7pC2Ky
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) February 18, 2026
Asif doubled down on what Bennett had said. “That is how a genocidal entity in [the Middle East] will be contained”, he said.
He also added that this will be an ‘axis against tyranny to protect defenceless Palestinians’.
Bennett’s comments reflect ongoing concerns within Israel regarding shifts in regional alliances, particularly as Turkey has pursued closer ties with Qatar and other Muslim-majority countries. Asif’s statement also makes it clear that no goodwill exists for Israel in Pakistan either.
These developments are taking place as both Pakistan and Israel get ready to sign up for Trump’s Board of Peace. Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif was showered with praise by the US President over his willingness to work for peace with the US during the 4-day war with India in May last year.
A defence pact among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey is also on cards according to reports, but the agreement hasn’t been reached as yet.