Türkiye ready to counter any threat from Israel, says Erdogan
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's interview with journalists on the plane after his visits to Albania and Serbia, October 11, 2024, on his return to Türkiye. (Photo via Turkish Presidency)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Saturday maintained that Türkiye is ready to counter any threat from Israel amid the escalating Hezbollah-Israel conflict, which poses a significant risk to the entire region.
The president addressed a group of Turkish journalists on his return from a two-day visit to Albania and Serbia, highlighting the constructive discussions held with his counterparts aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional issues.
Erdogan mentions potential threats from Israel
Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye’s intelligence services are actively monitoring any potential threats from Israel. “We are closely monitoring every step that Israel has taken or might take against Türkiye,” he stated.
“Israel is not only targeting the stability of Palestine and Lebanon; it is also attempting to spread the effects of the conflict throughout the region. Our hands are not tied; our government is taking necessary measures against these threats,” the president highlighted.
Erdogan affirmed that Türkiye’s intelligence agencies are developing effective strategies to ensure internal security and prevent potential external threats. “Our intelligence agency continues to operate across a wide spectrum, from cybersecurity to combating terrorism. Our goal is to safeguard Türkiye’s security and the well-being of our citizens,” he asserted.
Erdogan highlights role of Türkiye’s security agencies
When asked about potential societal divisions stemming from Israel’s actions in Gaza, Erdogan reiterated that intelligence units are closely monitoring all threats. “Our security agencies swiftly tracked and addressed any potential threat,” he stated, underscoring the importance of information sharing for national and international security.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant regarding misleading information on social media, stating: “Provocative content aimed at creating unrest in society should not be trusted. Such deceptive information serves those who threaten our security.”
Gaza situation, international reactions
President Erdogan described the situation in Gaza as unacceptable, characterizing the events there as a form of genocide. “Israel is violating international law with its attacks on civilians, and we cannot overlook this situation,” he stated.
Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to raising awareness about Israel’s actions on international platforms and called on the United Nations and other international organizations to take a stand against these atrocities. “The world must acknowledge the genocide in Gaza and work to end this oppression,” he added.
Attacks on Lebanon
Erdogan also condemned Israel’s attacks on Lebanon, noting, “We see that the civilian population in Lebanon is also being targeted. Such attacks exacerbate instability in the region and undermine peace efforts.” He reiterated Türkiye’s call for peace and stability in Lebanon and throughout the region, emphasizing the necessity of diplomatic solutions to achieve lasting peace.
Regional security and Syria
The Turkish president reaffirmed Türkiye’s respect for Syria’s territorial integrity, stating that Türkiye will continue to use diplomatic channels to foster a fair and lasting peace in Syria. “The issues in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon are significant matters that directly impact the stability of the region,” he said, highlighting Türkiye’s active role in addressing these challenges.
Dialogue with Greece
In response to a question about discussions with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis concerning maritime jurisdiction, Erdogan announced that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will visit Greece, indicating a willingness to resolve the issue amicably.
Visit to Albania, Serbia
During his visit to Albania, Erdogan participated in the second meeting of the High-Level Cooperation Council with Prime Minister Edi Rama. He noted that the signing of agreements in areas such as higher education, agriculture and media would further solidify Turkish-Albanian relations. He also discussed political and military cooperation with Albanian President Bajram Begaj.
In Tirana, Erdogan inaugurated the Namazgah Mosque, the largest mosque in the Balkans, which will serve both as a place of worship and a cultural center.
In Serbia, Erdogan took part in the fourth meeting of the High-Level Cooperation Council with President Aleksandar Vucic. He announced the signing of 11 agreements to enhance cooperation between the two nations, highlighting the significant Turkish investments in Serbia.
Erdogan emphasized the special status of the Sandzak region in bilateral relations and reiterated Türkiye’s support for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue process.
