Exclusive: Erdogan Warns Israel over 'Misguided Narrative' of Turkey Threat
Turkey's leader told Newsweek Israel took actions "contrary to international law and steps that deepen instability in our region."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Israel for spreading false narratives that portray Turkey as a threat to regional peace. The tensions escalated following heated exchanges between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Erdogan, with Netanyahu branding Erdogan as a "tyrant" and accusing him of seeking Israel's destruction.
President Erdogan emphasized that the differences between Turkey and Israel are well known and that Ankara does not aim to create trouble. He stated that the growing tensions are a result of Israel's domestic political dynamics and electoral climate, and that Turkey opposes policies that violate international law and deepen regional instability.
The situation in Syria has also fueled the rivalry, with Erdogan initially supporting the Syrian government but later opposing Israeli strikes in support of Druze militias. The conflict has intensified, with Israeli strikes in Syria leading to explosions in Turkey. Despite the mounting tensions, Erdogan has resisted discussing open conflict and emphasized that Turkey does not view every bilateral relationship as a threat.
The relations between Turkey and Greece, both NATO members, have been tense due to historical disputes over territorial and energy rights in the Mediterranean and Cyprus. The recent defense pact between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, known as the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, has raised concerns in Israel, which has signed a major defense deal with Greece involving a multilayered defense system called "Achilles Shield."
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
