Ankara (TDI): Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said that Israel is attempting to portray his country as its next adversary, adding such a shift reflects a broader pattern in Israeli policy.
Speaking in a televised interview with Anadolu Agency, Fidan said Israel “cannot function without an enemy” and is now turning its focus toward Turkiye after tensions with Iran.
According to Fidan, the push is not limited to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, but is also echoed by some opposition figures. He described the development as a worrying trend that appears to be evolving into a broader state strategy.
Relations between Turkiye and Israel have been strained for months, particularly since the war in Gaza that followed the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas. Ankara has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s military actions.
The situation escalated further over the weekend after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned US President Donald Trump about possible provocations that could derail a fragile ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
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In response, Netanyahu strongly criticized Erdogan in a social media post, reaffirming Israel’s determination to confront Iran and its regional allies. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also joined in, dismissing Erdogan as a “paper tiger” and accusing him of inflammatory rhetoric.
Ankara reacted sharply to these remarks. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said Netanyahu’s statements were driven by discomfort over criticism directed at Israel’s actions, and accused him of attempting to undermine ongoing peace efforts while pursuing expansionist policies.
In a strongly worded response, the ministry went as far as comparing Netanyahu to one of history’s most notorious figures, citing allegations related to Israel’s military conduct. It also pointed to ongoing legal and diplomatic pressure on the Israeli leader, including proceedings at international courts.
Read More: Turkiye Cuts off Ties With Israel, Restricts Airspace, Bans Ships From Docking
The ministry reiterated that Turkiye would continue to support civilians affected by the conflict and push for accountability over alleged war crimes, signalling that tensions between the two countries are unlikely to ease anytime soon.
