Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has criticized the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing them as a threat not only to Türkiye but also to Israel itself, regional stability and international security.
In an interview with The National, an Abu Dhabi-based newspaper, Fidan said the current policies of Netanyahu’s government have consequences that extend beyond bilateral relations, affecting the broader Middle East and the international community.
Fidan dismissed the possibility that recent verbal tensions between Ankara and Tel Aviv could escalate into direct military confrontation. He described President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as “a leader of peace and wisdom” and said Türkiye would not allow itself to be drawn into provocative actions.
The Turkish foreign minister also argued that European leaders recognize the risks posed by Israel’s current policies but have yet to develop an effective strategy to address the situation. He warned that attempts to destabilize developments in Syria could have far-reaching consequences for the wider region.
Referring to the war in Gaza, Fidan said global attention had shifted following recent developments in the Gulf and called for stronger international pressure on Israel to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
He also highlighted Türkiye’s role as a regional mediator, saying Ankara’s understanding of regional actors and conflicts places it in a strong position to help reduce tensions across the Middle East.
Fidan concluded by stressing that all countries should respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said Iran views its network of regional proxy forces as part of its security strategy, while Israel justifies its control of territories in the region on security grounds.
The remarks reflect Türkiye’s continued criticism of Israeli policies while emphasizing Ankara’s stated preference for diplomacy and regional de-escalation.
