The Three Threats: Iran, Turkey, and Egypt… Israeli Experts Warn of Defense Challenges
A report published by the Israeli site News1 highlighted the escalation of “The Three Threats” facing Israel from key countries-Iran, Turkey, and Egypt-amid warnings from Israeli experts regarding the readiness of the Israeli military following the events of October 7, 2023.
Calls to Enhance Readiness and Reform Military Administration
Major General (Res.) Amitziah Han, a former intelligence expert, noted a “severe lack of professionalism and very low administrative standards” within the Ministry of Defense over the past two years.
Military engineering expert Tzvi Feinberger warned of the growing threats from the mentioned countries, urging the reinforcement of border defense systems. Dr. Adna Feshar emphasized the importance of eliminating internal fear and encouraging open dialogue within the security establishment, while Professor Elisha Haas called for a national partnership to prevent political divisions during external conflicts. Dr. Moshe Brent highlighted the need for self-reliance in strategic decision-making, stressing that Israel is not a U.S.-dependent state.
Iran: Direct Escalation and Expanded Influence
According to sources cited in the report, Tehran continues to develop its nuclear and missile programs while expanding its influence through Hezbollah in Lebanon, factions in Iraq, the Houthis in Yemen, and a military presence in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime. The report added that the direct missile attack on Israel in April 2024 constitutes an unprecedented escalation, confirming that these developments represent a direct threat to Israeli security.
Turkey: Aggressive Policies and Support for Political Islam
The report indicated that Ankara has adopted a more aggressive foreign policy toward Israel under President Erdoğan, strengthening alliances with anti-Israel forces and expanding military activity in the Eastern Mediterranean. It also noted that Turkey supports Islamist movements considered a threat to Israel’s national security, increasing pressure on Israel’s defense front.
Egypt: Border Tensions and Accelerating Alignments
The report noted that security tensions with Cairo persist in the Sinai Peninsula, with concerns over arms smuggling across the border using drones. It also highlighted that Egypt’s growing rapprochement with Russia and China raises questions about the future of strategic balance, despite the 1979 peace treaty, confirming that these factors make the border situation with Cairo more sensitive for Israeli security.
October 7: Security and Intelligence Shock
The October 7, 2023 attack marked a turning point, revealing gaps in the intelligence apparatus, a failure of coordination between military and political leadership, and a collapse in field unit readiness.
Since then, internal calls for reforms in the army’s structure and institutional culture have emerged, reflecting societal debates in Israel between democratic values and national security, according to the analyses in the report.
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