Bezalel Smotrich calls for stronger ties with Greece against Turkey

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for strengthening military and strategic alliances with Greece to counter regional powers, specifically naming Turkey and Pakistan as countries Israel must account for in its security planning.

Smotrich highlighted the significant capacity of the Turkish Navy, stating that Israel must analyze the implications of Turkey’s large maritime force. He emphasized the need for Israel to develop independent capabilities to sustain long-term conflicts, focusing on technological superiority and domestic production capacity to reduce external dependency.

These remarks follow statements from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the desire to avoid direct confrontation with Turkey, though Smotrich’s comments suggest a focus on balancing regional military powers including Egypt, Jordan, and Syria.