Tel aviv: In 2025, Israel significantly altered the regional balance of power through its assertive military initiatives, prominently demonstrated during a 12-day conflict with Iran in June. This conflict involved direct strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, targeting Iranian proxies throughout the region and weakening Tehran's "forward defense" strategy.

According to Anadolu Agency, these developments have positioned Israel as a destabilizing force in the region. The actions, including a war on Gaza and military operations in Lebanon and Syria, have shifted the regional threat perception from Iran to Israel, leading to increased isolation of Tel Aviv both regionally and internationally.

The Abraham Accords have lost momentum due to Israel's actions, such as the attack on Qatar, which have alienated Gulf Cooperation Council states. These states view Israel's pursuit of hegemony as a threat to regional stability, prompting key players like Saudi Arabia to prioritize rapprochement with Iran over normalization with Israel.

In contrast, Trkiye has emerged as an influential extra-regional power, bolstered by its leadership and strengthened ties with countries like Iraq and Egypt. Trkiye's role in regional politics is seen as a counter to Israel's agenda, focusing on stability and security for Middle Eastern countries.

Syria remains a point of contention between Trkiye and Israel, with Trkiye playing a crucial role in lifting sanctions on Syria, allowing the country to stabilize. However, Israel perceives a strong Syria as a threat and continues to undermine its government through various strategies.

Trkiye, Egypt, and Qatar played significant roles in halting Israel's war in Gaza, though Israel continued to violate the agreement terms. Additionally, rivalries are crystallizing in the region, with Sudan and the Horn of Africa becoming focal points for overlapping agendas.

Looking ahead to 2026, Israel is expected to continue its policies in the West Bank, Gaza, and beyond. The potential for a new conflict with Iran looms, while Saudi Arabia-Iran normalization is likely to persist. Turkish-Israeli competition may intensify unless Israel alters its policies, and great power competition in the region continues with Russia's decreased influence and China's growing engagement.