Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has accused Israel of attempting to declare Turkiye a “new enemy,” signaling a sharp deterioration in relations between the two regional powers. In a televised interview with the state-run Anadolu news agency on Monday, Fidan claimed that Israel’s government, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is actively working to portray Turkiye as an adversary, a move he described as part of a broader state strategy. “After Iran, Israel cannot live without an enemy,” Fidan stated, highlighting what he sees as a deliberate shift in Israeli foreign policy.
The remarks come amid escalating tensions that have been building since the outbreak of the Gaza war following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack. The conflict has strained diplomatic ties, with Turkiye often criticizing Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Over the weekend, the dispute entered a new phase when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned US counterpart Donald Trump of potential provocations and sabotage that could undermine an initial ceasefire arrangement in the US-Israeli efforts against Iran. This warning underscores the complex geopolitical landscape, where regional alliances are increasingly fraught.
Fidan elaborated that not only Netanyahu’s administration but also some figures in the Israeli opposition—though not all—are pushing to designate Turkiye as the new focal point of hostility. “We see that not only Netanyahu’s administration but also some figures in the opposition—though not all—are seeking to declare Turkiye the new enemy,” he said. This development, according to Fidan, represents a “new development in Israel turning into a state strategy,” suggesting a systematic approach rather than isolated political rhetoric. The accusation reflects deeper anxieties in Ankara about Israel’s regional ambitions and its alignment with other adversaries.
In response to these tensions, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s stance on Saturday, vowing to continue confronting Tehran and its regional allies, a statement that may further inflame relations with Turkiye. The situation is compounded by historical and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, where Turkiye and Israel have oscillated between cooperation and confrontation. Analysts note that such declarations could have significant implications for regional stability, affecting everything from trade to security cooperation. For more context on the broader regional dynamics, refer to reports from Reuters and Al Jazeera.
As both nations navigate these heightened tensions, the international community watches closely, concerned about the potential for further escalation in an already volatile region. The outcome of this diplomatic rift could reshape alliances and influence future conflicts, making it a critical issue for global observers.
Source: ARY News