Türkiye Warns Israel: "We Know What Netanyahu Wants in Syria"

Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has sharply criticized Israel’s regional posture, arguing that its actions reflect long-term territorial ambitions rather than immediate security concerns, framing a broader strategic shift following October 2023.

“The effort to expand territory has always been one of Israel’s objectives,” Fidan said, adding that after October 2023, Israel “saw that such an opportunity had opened up.”

He argued that Israel presents expansion “under the guise of security needs,” suggesting growing international scrutiny is reshaping political rhetoric.

Fidan warned that Israel’s current posture toward Syria may be temporary, shaped by the ongoing Iran war. “Because of the ongoing war in Iran, Israel may not be taking certain steps right now,” he said, but stressed this does not mean such actions “will not become a priority later.”

He added that Türkiye is monitoring developments closely and taking its own measures accordingly, while noting that Syrian actors are engaged in diplomatic efforts amid uncertainty.

Turning to regional alliances, Fidan criticized Greece’s growing cooperation with Israel, calling it “highly risky.” He questioned the rationale for such ties, noting that Greece is a NATO member while Southern Cyprus is backed by the European Union.

“What strategic logic could justify seeking this kind of cooperation is something they cannot explain,” he said, suggesting the policy may be driven by “external pressure” rather than strategic necessity.

Fidan further argued that Israel may be recalibrating its strategic narrative following tensions with Iran. “After Iran, Israel cannot live without an enemy,” he said, adding that there are signs Türkiye could be positioned as a future adversary in Israeli discourse.

He noted that this trend is visible not only within Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government but also among opposition figures, indicating a broader political pattern.

Fidan also addressed the role of the United States, asserting that Israel benefits disproportionately from U.S. regional actions. “What the United States does in this region does not serve its own interests, but benefits Israel,” he said, attributing this to political influence.

He described the dynamic as “not a rational model of behavior,” framing it as a structural issue in policymaking shaped by external pressures rather than strategic calculations.

Fidan argued that a Zionist influence has managed to “hack” the U.S. political system, claiming this dynamic has resulted in what he described as an irrational strategic approach, suggesting that U.S. policy is being driven less by strategic calculation and more by political influence operating within the system.