Israel is attempting to portray Turkiye as its 'new enemy,' according to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who accused the Israeli government of seeking ongoing confrontation. He said Israel 'cannot live without an enemy' and is now shifting its focus toward Turkiye following heightened regional tensions.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since the Gaza war began after the October 7, 2023 cross-border attack by Hamas on Israel. Strains deepened further after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned United States President Donald Trump about potential provocations that could undermine a ceasefire arrangement involving Israel and Iran.

Fidan claimed that not only Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration but also some opposition figures in Israel are contributing to efforts to frame Turkiye as a strategic adversary. He described this shift as a new state strategy emerging within Israel as it continues to confront Iran and its regional allies.