Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran answered Anadolu Agency’s (AA) questions regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statements targeting Türkiye.
In response to the question, "How do you assess Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks targeting Türkiye?" Head of Communications Duran gave the following reply:
"The threats and lies Netanyahu voiced in a recent interview regarding Türkiye and Syria are yet another reflection of the Israeli Prime Minister’s growing international isolation, political fears, and delusions. Furthermore, Netanyahu's efforts to mislead the international public by fabricating enemies and threats are no longer effective. For the international community has reached a consensus on the evil nature of the policies he has pursued.
The reaction from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the international community to Israel’s aggressive policies is growing increasingly strong. The Israeli Prime Minister has resorted to this unreasonable stance due to upcoming elections, domestic political concerns, and political fears. He views anti-Turkish sentiment as a political lifeline. Furthermore, in a competition for extremism with other radical parties, he fuels hostility towards Türkiye and other regional countries.
Of course, at this point, Netanyahu has a specific objective that he seeks to pursue through this rhetoric, both in domestic and foreign policy. Israel’s aggressive policies towards Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon; its blind eye to settler terrorism; and the statements of pro-extremist actors, particularly members of its cabinet, have brought its reputation to one of the lowest points in history. Netanyahu and his accomplices are in an attempt to spread the taint upon themselves to their surroundings by levelling various accusations against the countries of the region, particularly Türkiye. Their attempt to accuse Türkiye following its attack in Syria is one of the most evident indicators of this approach.
Yet they overlook one particular issue. The problem does not lie in people failing to comprehend Israel’s policies sufficiently; it lies in the ever‑growing number of people who do comprehend and reject these policies. This results in both such accusations and the high‑budget communication campaigns yielding only a limited impact.
"Netanyahu administration has abandoned all efforts toward diplomacy and dialogue"
When asked, "Would Netanyahu’s direct targeting of Türkiye result in Israel expanding its ring of aggression toward Türkiye?" Head of Communications Duran replied:
''The international community and the regional countries take a strong stance against Netanyahu's occupationist mentality and his project to foment a regional war and support the establishment of peace and stability in the Middle East. The entire region is uniting against a strategically destabilising actor. Likewise, especially over the past three years, the entire region has witnessed the devastation and war perpetrated by an aggressive neighbour in the region.
Moreover, the Netanyahu administration in its current form and shape has abandoned all efforts for diplomacy and dialogue. The fundamental problem with the current administration is that it equates security not with stability and diplomacy, but with constant aggression. Therefore, the main driver behind its stance towards Türkiye is not that Türkiye poses a threat to Israel, but rather that, through its current strength and influence, Türkiye pursues sound policies that challenge the damage Israel is inflicting on regional security and stability.
Head of Communications Duran went on as follows:
“Of course, as our President has stated, we are a country that strives to bring peace and reconciliation to the region. Our primary concern is to see an end to the bloodshed and suffering in the region, which is why the situation in Gaza and the Palestinian issue, as they currently stand, are vital to us.
It should likewise be noted that the grave mistake made by Netanyahu is a matter of debate within Israeli public opinion. The Israeli opposition has repeatedly described Netanyahu’s anti-Türkiye rhetoric as “irresponsible, excessive and foolish”, arguing that it is causing concern among society.
Even Israeli politicians themselves admit that Israel is losing several allies one by one and tarnishing its reputation. Moreover, the policy of seeking to create tensions with Türkiye has yielded no discernible benefit.
Türkiye is a NATO country that has repeatedly consolidated its power and influence both in its region and on the global stage, cemented its hard power, and continuously enhanced its advanced capabilities.
At this point, the most rational course for the Israeli government would be to pursue a two-state solution that would bring the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to a definitive end and halt further destabilising actions in the region, rather than level threats at its neighbours, target the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Al-Quds, and plan new illegal settlements in the West Bank.
"There is nothing we would not do for the survival of our state"
In response to the question, “How will Türkiye respond to this aggressive mentality?” Head of Communications Duran said:
"As Türkiye, we will continue to combat the destabilising actions of genocidal Netanyahu and stand with all states pursuing peaceful policies in our region, particularly Syria.
Türkiye is one of the most seasoned and well-established countries in the region. We have a deeply rooted tradition of statecraft. We are a prudent, composed and powerful country.
History makes it abundantly clear that there is nothing we would not do for our security, the survival of our state and the welfare of our nation. This understanding remains unchanged today.
At the same time, we are experienced enough not to fall for the schemes of bit players like Netanyahu, who seek to undermine peace and stability in our region.
We are a country appreciated around the world for prioritising and striving for peace in our region and across the world.
Türkiye’s prudent and peace-oriented foreign policy will thwart the bloody schemes of disgraced figures such as Netanyahu, who would not hesitate to set the region ablaze to secure their own political futures.
No one can disturb the peace of our nation and our friends. Türkiye will never allow that.”