Erdogan Expresses Concern Over Israel’s Actions and Outlines Turkiye’s Foreign Policy

Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has voiced serious concerns about Israel’s increasing rhetoric and attacks on Lebanon, highlighting the potential implications for regional stability.

“No state in our region, including Türkiye, can feel safe as long as Israeli aggression under [Israel’s Prime Minister] Netanyahu’s administration is not stopped,” Erdogan stated on Tuesday following a cabinet meeting in Ankara.

Tensions have been rising as Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged fire along the border since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October. This escalation has fueled fears of a broader confrontation.

Addressing Turkiye’s foreign policy, President Erdogan remarked, “We believe it is beneficial to open clenched fists in foreign policy. We will not hesitate to meet with whoever is necessary for this purpose.” He reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to ensuring the security of the nation against threats, particularly from “bloodthirsty groups” in Syria.

Erdogan emphasized that Turkiye does not seek territorial expansion or impinge on any nation’s sovereignty, asserting that the country is solely defending its homeland against separatist intentions. “Turkey is not and will not be a state that abandons its friends,” he said, denouncing the influence of separatist terrorist organizations.

Erdogan highlighted the return of 670,000 people to settlements in northern Syria, which Turkiye cleared of terrorism, and mentioned that another 1 million people are expected to return as ongoing projects are completed.

Commenting on recent violence and negative social media trends following a crime by a Syrian national in Kayseri, Erdogan stated that Turkiye will address the refugee issue based on rational and conscientious considerations, rather than prejudices or fears. He underscored that public order is a “red line” for the state and emphasized that any violations will not be tolerated.

“Just as we know how to break the dirty hands reaching for our flag, we also know how to break the hands reaching out to the innocent people who have taken refuge in our country,” the Turkish president declared.

President Erdogan’s statements underscore Turkiye’s stance on regional security and its commitment to addressing both internal and external challenges through a balanced and rational approach.