Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has accused Israel of attempting to portray Turkiye as its “next enemy” as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.
Fidan said Israel “cannot exist without an enemy,” claiming that after Iran, Turkiye is now being increasingly targeted in Israeli political discourse. He suggested that this narrative is not limited to the Israeli government but is also being echoed by some opposition figures.
He described the trend as a growing strategic shift in Israel’s regional posture, warning that it reflects a broader policy direction.
Relations between Turkiye and Israel have sharply deteriorated since the Gaza war began in October 2023, following Hamas’s attack on Israel. Diplomatic tensions have further intensified amid ongoing regional conflicts.
Turkiye has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts alongside several regional countries, including Pakistan and Egypt, aimed at reducing tensions during recent Middle East crises.
The war of words between Ankara and Tel Aviv has also escalated at leadership level. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently warned of possible provocations that could undermine fragile ceasefire efforts.
Israeli officials, in turn, have strongly criticized Erdogan, accusing him of hostile rhetoric. Exchanges between senior leaders from both sides have further deepened the diplomatic rift.
The Turkish foreign ministry has defended its position, saying Israel’s criticism stems from discomfort over Ankara’s repeated stance on regional developments. It also reiterated its support for accountability measures against Israeli leadership in international legal forums.
