Turkiye says Israel attempting to frame it as ‘new enemy’ amid rising regional tensions
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said that Israel is attempting to portray Turkiye as a new adversary following the Iran war, warning that tensions in the Middle East are entering a more volatile phase.
In a televised interview, Fidan said Israel “cannot live without an enemy” and suggested that, after Iran, Turkish officials and some political figures in Israel were now seeking to cast Turkiye in that role.
“We see that not only Netanyahu’s administration but also some figures in the opposition… are seeking to declare Turkiye the new enemy,” he said, adding that this reflected a broader shift in Israeli state policy.
The comments come amid already strained relations between Ankara and Tel Aviv, which have worsened since the Gaza war began following the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Regional tensions further escalated after warnings from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding possible provocations that could disrupt a fragile ceasefire framework involving the United States and Iran.
In response to the shifting dynamics, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel will continue its stance against Tehran and its regional allies, while Turkish officials have accused Israel of pursuing expansionist policies and undermining peace efforts.
The dispute reflects growing diplomatic friction in the region, with both sides trading accusations over security concerns, military operations, and broader geopolitical influence.
