Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, October 18, that he hoped to avoid a direct confrontation with Turkey but was preparing for possible developments in relations with Ankara.
“I hope we do not reach a head-on confrontation. At least, that is what I am trying to achieve,” Netanyahu said, according to The Jerusalem Post.
His remarks came during a security-policy briefing ahead of Israel’s October 27 parliamentary election, where he presented an updated national security doctrine.
Netanyahu Expresses Doubts About Turkey’s Erdogan
Netanyahu said he would welcome restoring the close relations Israel and Turkey maintained in the past but doubted this was possible under Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
He accused Erdogan of making statements hostile to Israel and said the Israeli government needed to prepare for different scenarios.
According to The Times of Israel, Netanyahu also acknowledged differences with US President Donald Trump over Erdogan and discussed efforts to limit Turkey’s military presence in Syria.
Israel Outlines New Security Priorities
During the briefing, the Israeli PM outlined a security strategy emphasizing preemptive action, stronger border defenses and reduced dependence on foreign weapons suppliers.
He also called for closer cooperation with international partners, including India, while maintaining Israel’s ability to act independently.
Netanyahu said Israel should use its close relationship with the Trump administration to advance its security objectives while preparing for the possibility of a future US administration with different policies.
The briefing took place nine days before Israel’s parliamentary election. Netanyahu linked the implementation of his security proposals to his reelection and criticized his political opponents’ approach to national security.
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