Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Saturday accused Israel of creating an international “illusion” and using security concerns as a pretext for territorial expansion, as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.
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Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Fidan said Israel’s policies go beyond self-defence, alleging that its actions reflect a broader strategy of expansion in the region. He specifically referenced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that security narratives were being used to justify further land occupation.
Fidan pointed to ongoing developments in Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, as well as tensions extending toward Lebanon and Syria, arguing that these reflected a pattern of continued expansion.
He called for an end to such policies, urging Israel to respect the sovereignty and security of other nations to ensure regional peace.
Relations between Türkiye and Israel have remained strained over multiple issues, including Israel’s military operations in Gaza and differing positions on regional conflicts.
On the sidelines of the forum, Fidan also held talks with counterparts from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, focusing on the evolving Middle East situation and broader regional challenges.
Addressing wider geopolitical concerns, Fidan noted that tensions involving Iran have overshadowed efforts to advance peace talks in the Russia-Ukraine War. He urged renewed international focus on resolving that conflict once the Middle East situation stabilises.
Türkiye has previously hosted multiple rounds of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and continues to position itself as a key diplomatic player in global conflict resolution.
