'Potential for confrontation with Turkey has increased,' warns ex-National Security Council chief

Former National Security Council chief Meir Ben-Shabbat has warned that tensions with Turkey may escalate, citing increasing regional influence in his latest interview with Maariv. According to Ben-Shabbat, Israel should pursue peace agreements while maintaining vigilance and not relinquishing security assets or relying on agreements that could be reversed.

He cautioned that Syria may be attempting to lull Israel into complacency while rebuilding its military capabilities, and urged against assuming a change in President Ahmed al-Assad's intentions. Ben-Shabbat noted Turkey's growing influence in Syria through financial and military support, as well as its expanding maritime presence in the eastern Mediterranean, which could lead to friction with Israel's allies, like Greece and Cyprus.

He also pointed to Turkey's backing of Hamas and ongoing legal battles against Israel as further indicators of heightened tensions. Despite these concerns, Ben-Shabbat emphasized that Israel must strive for peace while remaining cautious and not allowing the pursuit of peace to compromise its judgment or security.