Analysis: Turkey as the ‘New Iran’ and the Prospect of Military Confrontation in Syria

Yoni Ben-Menachem, a senior Middle East researcher, warned in an interview with Israel's Channel 14 regarding Turkey's efforts to establish a military presence in Syria. Describing Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the 'new Iran,' he emphasized that without clear red lines set by the United States, there is a risk of direct military confrontation between Israel and Turkish forces within Syrian territory. Ben-Menachem alleged that Turkey's transfer of air defense systems and weaponry to Syrian airports is part of a broader plan to shift the regional balance of power. He further claimed that key figures in Syria, including Abu Mohammad al-Julani, operate under Ankara's influence. Regarding the upcoming US elections, the analyst alleged that Tehran is preparing an offensive move against Gulf states and American bases, aiming to spill American blood to undermine Donald Trump's electoral prospects. Ben-Menachem concluded by arguing that economic pressure alone is insufficient to topple the regime in Iran and called for a strategic shift in countering Tehran.