Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticizes Israel and regional defense alliances

On April 18-19, 2026, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed the Diplomatic Forum in Antalya, criticizing both the policies of the Israeli government and regional military cooperation. Fidan alleged that the Benjamin Netanyahu administration is using national security as a pretext to expand its territorial control, specifically targeting Palestinian lands as well as areas in Lebanon and Syria. He described these actions as expansionist and aggressive, calling for an immediate cessation. Furthermore, Fidan expressed concern regarding the trilateral security cooperation between Israel, Cyprus, and Greece. He claimed that this partnership is viewed with alarm not only by Turkey but also by other regional Muslim nations. The minister emphasized that while Turkey is capable of self-defense, other weaker countries in the region remain deeply concerned by these developments. He rejected claims that Turkey is exaggerating these issues, asserting that his warnings are based on regional realities and public sentiment.