Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared that Israel's ongoing military operations in Syria and Lebanon have escalated to a point where they now pose a direct threat to Turkiye. Speaking at the opening of the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Erdogan emphasized that Israel's actions constitute a danger not only to the region but to the entire world, and must be halted immediately.
Erdogan Condemns Israeli Aggression
Erdogan, addressing lawmakers from his ruling AK Party in parliament, stated that the attacks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies have brought the conflict to Turkiye's doorstep. He stressed that Ankara's security is intrinsically linked to the stability of Syria and Lebanon. Turkiye, a NATO member, has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel's assaults on Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon, accusing Israel of being the primary obstacle to regional peace. Ankara has already halted all trade with Israel and pursued legal action in international courts.
Wider Regional Implications
The Turkish leader also accused Israel of leading a covert campaign to destabilize African nations and the Mediterranean region by fueling discord on the ethnically divided island of Cyprus. He warned that smaller entities, emboldened by Israel, are pursuing dangerous ambitions in the Eastern Mediterranean. Erdogan cautioned against such adventures, vowing a strong response if the rights of Turkiye and Turkish Cypriots are violated.
Erdogan further blamed Israel's provocations for sparking the US-Iran war, urging world powers to adopt a clearer stance against Israel. He criticized the international community's silence, which he said has emboldened Israel. Calling for collective action, Erdogan asserted that bringing Israel back within the bounds of the rule of law is a shared duty for all humanity.
