Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also sees Israel’s actions in the region as a threat to Turkey.
June 10, 2026, 2:36 p.mJune 10, 2026, 2:36 p.m
Israel’s attacks against Lebanon and Syria have reached a level that also threatens Turkey, Erdogan told his Islamic conservative ruling party AKP in Ankara.
Erdogan also accused Israel of pursuing destabilizing policies throughout the region, including the Eastern Mediterranean.
Erdogan sees Israel as a threat.Image: keystone
Relations between Türkiye and Israel strained
Erdogan had already sharply criticized Israel and especially Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the past. Relations between the two countries are considered strained.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues to attack Lebanon every day. The destruction is particularly great in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military also continues to conduct ground operations in Syria, particularly in the south of the country near the border with the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.
Israel justifies the action with the fight against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and other groups classified as a threat.
Netanyahu criticizes Erdogan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Erdogan was “the last person who could lecture the State of Israel.” He supports Hamas, oppresses his own people and imprisons political rivals. Israel will “continue to take decisive action against Iran and its allies who threaten the Middle East and the entire world.” (hkl/sda/dpa)