{
  "id": 9147890,
  "title": "Turkey's Erdogan may push for FM Fidan to take over UN Sec.-Gen. role, causing concern in Israel",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/turkeys-erdogan-may-push-for-fm-fidan-to-take-over-un-sec-gen-role",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T14:02:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-909313"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Concern is mounting in Israel over the potential selection of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to become the next United Nations secretary-general, possibly during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to New York for the UN General Assembly. Sources close to the situation reveal that this proposal has been contemplated multiple times. However, Turkish authorities have categorically denied any such intention. The issue assumes greater urgency as the race to succeed outgoing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres intensifies with no consensus candidate yet in place. Guterres' second term ends on December 31, with his successor set to assume office on January 1. According to the UN Charter, the secretary-general is appointed by the General Assembly based on the Security Council's recommendation. Erdogan arrived in New York on Sunday for the assembly and has already engaged in several diplomatic meetings. Fidan is also present in New York, actively participating in separate talks with foreign counterparts. The timing of this potential development is particularly precarious due to the still-fluid nature of the succession race. In the latest Security Council straw poll, Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan emerged as the frontrunner with nine \"encourage\" votes. However, Guyana's UN Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett garnered eight votes in favor of her candidacy. At this juncture, the votes do not differentiate between those cast by the Security Council's five permanent members and those from its ten elected members, leaving the possibility open that other candidates could potentially emerge if the current contenders fail to garner a consensus. Fidan, who is 58, has long been considered one of Erdogan's most trusted advisors in Turkey's foreign policy and national security sphere. Prior to assuming the role of foreign minister in 2023, he served as head of Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) for 13 years, holding numerous senior government positions along the way. The apprehension in Israel stems from Fidan's vehemently anti-Israel stance following the October 7 attack and the subsequent Israel-Hamas War. He has frequently labeled Israel's actions in Gaza as \"genocide\" and described Israel's expansionist policies as a threat beyond the region. In April, Fidan emphasized that these policies pose a global security threat and called for international action. He has also maintained direct communication with senior Hamas officials as part of Turkey's role in Gaza ceasefire negotiations. Fidan met with Hamas political leaders in Ankara in December to discuss the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire, and Turkish officials have consistently argued that Hamas has shown readiness for ceasefire arrangements while blaming Israel for failing to adhere to previous agreements. The relationship between Israel and Turkey has significantly deteriorated in recent years. Turkey suspended direct trade with Israel in May 2024, and Erdogan and Fidan have positioned the Gaza conflict as a cornerstone of Turkish foreign policy and international diplomacy. The process of selecting the next UN secretary-general commenced in November 2025, with UN member states invited to submit nominations. Candidates are first nominated by member states before being evaluated by the 15-member Security Council. The Security Council members engage in confidential straw polls, designating candidates as \"encourage,\" \"discourage,\" or \"no opinion.\" To be successful, a candidate must garner at least nine votes and avoid a veto from any of the five permanent members: the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France. The Security Council subsequently recommends one candidate to the General Assembly for formal appointment. There is an implicit expectation that the next secretary-general should originate from the Latin American and Caribbean region, which has not held the position for decades. Furthermore, there is a significant push for the UN to appoint its first female secretary-general in its history. These expectations, however, are not legally binding, and the ultimate choice relies on whether a candidate can secure agreement among the Security Council's major powers. If Turkey opts to nominate Fidan, he would enter the race comparatively late and outside the expected regional candidate, yet he would also confront a situation where three rounds of Security Council straw polls have yet to yield a candidate with sufficient support to secure consensus, potentially opening the door for an unexpected outcome in the competition.",
  "summary": "Sources familiar with the matter told the Post that the have considered nominating Turkey's foreign minister more than once. Turkish officials strongly deny any such plan.",
  "key_points": [
    "Erdogan may select Fidan as UN secretary-general during NY visit.",
    "Fidan faces criticism for anti-Israel stance post-Oct 7 conflict.",
    "Israel-Israeli relations strained over Gaza conflict and trade suspension."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/9147890.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Al-Monitor",
        "title": "Turkey's Erdogan urges UN reform, wider recognition of Palestinian state",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/turkeys-erdogan-urges-un-reform-wider-recognition-of-palestinian-state",
        "published": "2026-09-22T16:46:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}