Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Friday that Prime Minister Netanyahu's policies are a burden on Israel, the region, and international security, adding that he believes U.S. President Donald Trump understands this. The remarks, reported by Abu Ali Express, combine a softer tone toward Israel with harsher personal criticism of Netanyahu.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Friday continued his dual-track messaging toward Israel, both softening the overall tone while sharpening his personal criticism of Prime Minister Netanyahu. According to a report by Abu Ali Express, Fidan said there is "no reason for open confrontation" between Turkey and Israel, and praised "many good people in Israel who are balanced, wise, and strategic thinkers." However, he accused Netanyahu and his associates of seeking a new enemy in Turkey to rally support ahead of elections, and described Netanyahu's policies as "a burden on Israel, the region, and a threat to international security." Fidan added that he believes even U.S. President Donald Trump understands this.
The remarks come hours after two earlier Fidan statements on the same thread. At 14:18 Jerusalem, Fidan accused Netanyahu of trying to cast Turkey as a new enemy. At 14:41, he said there was no reason for military confrontation and praised Israelis with common sense, according to N12.
The exchange is part of a broader escalation in Turkish-Israeli rhetoric this week. On Wednesday, Netanyahu said Turkey is not an enemy state but expressed concern over Turkish officials' definitions. Turkish President Erdogan has been described by analysts as advancing Iran's agenda in the region. The Zioneer has reported on Fidan's aggressive anti-Israel record, including his earlier statement that Israelis have become "a burden humanity can no longer bear," and on Israeli efforts to counter Turkish influence, including a push to upgrade the navy and prevent F-35 sales to Ankara.
It remains unclear whether the softening in Fidan's tone represents a genuine policy shift or a tactical adjustment. The timing, ahead of Israeli elections, may influence both sides' messaging.
- DevelopingTurkish FM Fidan accuses Netanyahu of seeking a new enemy in Turkey
- DevelopingTurkish FM Fidan: Israel is seeking a new enemy; we have no problem with confrontation
- DevelopingIsrael urges NATO states to condemn Turkish FM's 'burden on humanity' remarks
- StrongNetanyahu raises Erdogan's hostility, security zones in latest call with Trump
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