Report from the Nagel Committee, established by Netanyahu, to the Israeli government on Turkey: 'We must be ready for war'

According to a report by The Jerusalem Post, the Nagel Committee's latest report on the defense budget and security strategy suggests that the Tel Aviv administration must be prepared for a direct conflict with Turkey.

The report prepared by the Nagel Committee was presented yesterday to Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

The report claims that Turkey is acting with the ambition to regain its influence from the Ottoman era, and alleges that this situation could lead to increased tensions with Israel and potentially escalate into a conflict.

The report argues that there is a risk that Syrian opposition groups could form an alliance with Turkey, creating a new and powerful threat to Israel's security, and includes the statement: "The threat from Syria could become even more dangerous than the Iranian threat."

In the report prepared by the Nagel Committee, it is proposed that the defense budget be increased by up to 15 billion shekels (approximately 4.14 billion dollars) annually over the next 5 years to cope with "the challenges created by Turkey", among other regional threats.

Regarding the report presented to him, Netanyahu stated: "We are witnessing profound changes in the Middle East. Iran has long been our greatest threat, but new forces are entering the arena, and we must be prepared for unexpected situations. This report provides us with a roadmap to secure Israel's future."

The report, which argues that military capabilities must be strengthened in preparation for a possible conflict with Turkey, emphasizes that Israel should purchase additional F-15 fighter jets, refueling aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and satellites to bolster its long-range strike capabilities.

The report underscores the need to improve the capabilities of air defense systems such as the short-to-medium-range Iron Dome, the medium-to-long-range David's Sling produced in cooperation with the US, the Arrow systems, and the Iron Beam laser-based missile defense system.

On the other hand, the report also states that a fortified security barrier should be built along the Jordan Valley, which would signal a significant change in Israel's defense strategy despite the potential diplomatic consequences with Jordan.