Israeli media analysis deems Turkiye a bigger threat than Iran
Maariv cited Turkiye’s military rise, calling it NATO’s second-largest force and about 80% self-sufficient in defense.
Israeli newspaper Maariv said Turkiye has become a greater challenge for Israel than Iran. The analysis cited on 23 June highlighted Ankara’s rapid growth in military capability and its defense industry advances in recent years. According to the report, Turkiye is the second-largest military power in NATO and has reached about 80 percent self-sufficiency in the defense sector. Maariv also pointed to Turkiye’s tank fleet, including Altay, its air force, which operates about 200 F-16 Fighting Falcon jets, and its naval power, with 16 submarines and the amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu. The assessment was said to add to concerns among Israeli policymakers about Turkiye’s steadily strengthening strategic position.