As Turkey Moves Toward Israel’s Border, Ezekiel’s Ancient Prophecy Looms

Turkey could emerge as Israel’s next major regional enemy as Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah lose strength, according to TBN host Erick Stakelbeck.

During a recent episode of “The Watchman Newscast,” Stakelbeck argued that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s military ambitions in Syria could place Turkey and Israel on a path toward direct confrontation.

Stakelbeck called Turkey “what I believe will be Israel’s next great enemy,” pointing to Erdoğan’s support for Hamas and repeated hostility toward the Jewish state.

“He’s talked about conquering Jerusalem. He’s talked about attacking Israel,” Stakelbeck said. “He’s declared Israel an enemy of Turkey.”

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Syria has become the immediate flashpoint in the escalating Israel-Turkey conflict. Stakelbeck said Erdoğan wants to establish a Turkish military presence near Israel’s northern border with the support of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani.

“Erdogan wants to establish a presence in Syria at Israel’s northern doorstep, and Israel is saying, ‘No, we’re not going to have it,’” Stakelbeck said.

Turkey reportedly planned to move troops, tanks and heavy weaponry into a Syrian air base. Israel struck the facility, warning Ankara against establishing a military foothold near Israeli territory.

Stakelbeck described Turkey as “NATO in name only” and accused Western leaders of ignoring Erdoğan’s Islamist ideology.

“He’s Muslim Brotherhood in a suit,” Stakelbeck said. “The endgame’s the same: the return of the caliphate.”

“As the Iranian axis weakens — Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah — Turkey’s going to rise,” he added. “You read the book of Ezekiel, chapters 38 and 39.”

Ezekiel 38 and 39 foretell a vast coalition descending upon Israel, with peoples connected to modern Turkey joining Persia — modern-day Iran — and other nations in a massive invasion. God then intervenes, destroys the invading armies and makes His holy name known before the world.

Turkey’s rise and Iran’s hatred of Israel point toward something far greater than another Middle East conflict: a coming war that will shake the nations and end with the God of Israel displaying His power for all to see.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact media@.