Fidan Warns of Israeli Expansionism as Greatest Threat to Region

Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has described Israel’s expansionist policy as the biggest problem facing the region, stressing that it is driven by two underlying objectives: expanding territorial control to establish “Greater Israel” and weakening or fragmenting regional states, particularly its neighbors.

In an interview with Al Jazeera and Qatar TV following the joint Organization of Islamic Cooperation–Arab League (OIC–AL) foreign ministers’ meeting, Fidan said Israel’s regional plan began with the occupation of Palestinian lands but has since evolved into a broader threat. “Today, it is not only about the occupation of Palestinian lands or the genocide in Gaza, but also about Israel’s expansionism posing a major threat to regional countries,” he said.

Citing attacks on Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, and most recently Doha, Fidan urged Arab and Islamic nations to unite and develop collective solutions. He warned that attempts to exploit Syria’s social divisions would harm both Syria and regional stability. “No country should pose a threat to another’s security. The greatest problem in the region is Israeli expansionism,” he declared.

Turning to ties with Washington, Fidan criticized the U.S. political system for granting Israel “a special exception that overrides all other ties,” which he argued has diminished American influence in the region. He noted that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ankara continue to raise concerns with U.S. counterparts about Israel’s crimes against humanity, civilian casualties, and threats posed by its expansionist agenda.

Fidan also highlighted Türkiye’s strong support for Qatar’s mediation efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. He praised Doha’s resilience and commitment to mediation “despite all risks” and extended condolences over Israel’s recent attack on the Qatari capital that killed five Hamas members. “Türkiye always stands with the people of Qatar. There is an unshakable bond between Türkiye and Qatar, and just as we have stood by Qatar in all its difficult times, we are once again by its side,” Fidan affirmed.

Reiterating Ankara’s condemnation of the attack, Fidan underlined Türkiye’s readiness to take regional and international measures in solidarity with Qatar and in defense of regional security.