FM Fidan warns Israel’s assassination of Nasrallah signals broader conflict ambitions

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan cautioned that Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah indicates a broader ambition to escalate the Gaza conflict beyond the besieged enclave.

In an exclusive interview with Türkiye’s public broadcaster TRT while in New York, Fidan stated, “There is a desire within Israel, including Israeli PM Netanyahu, for the war to spread to the region.”

He expressed concerns that “Israel will not stop after Gaza and will also move into Lebanon,” underscoring the potential for regional destabilization amid ongoing hostilities.

‘We have predictions about Israel’s next move’

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also discussed the implications of assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

“Nasrallah was an important figure in the region. His position will be difficult to fill, and he was significant for both Hezbollah and Iran,” Fidan stated.

After Gaza, Israel has targeted Lebanon. We have predictions about its next moves following Lebanon, but I will keep those to myself.

FM Hakan Fidan

Meanwhile, Fidan described the ongoing situation in Gaza, where over 41,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since the October 7 Hamas incursion, as a “tragedy.” However, he emphasized that the greater tragedy lies in the hypocrisy and inefficiency of the international system.

Türkiye advocates for peace

Fidan highlighted the dysfunction of international institutions, including the U.N., and called for urgent reform.

He noted that Türkiye, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, is committed to advocating for peace and does not align itself solely with Western or Eastern blocs.

He also stressed the necessity of establishing an independent Palestine and mentioned that the Gaza Contact Group, formed at a joint summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League in Saudi Arabia last November, continues to address this issue.

‘Zionism deeply entrenched in US’

Meanwhile, Fidan expressed concern over the influence of the United States in the conflict, stating, “It is troubling that all of the US’ power is at Israel’s disposal.”

Fidan also highlighted the challenges facing the U.S. system, noting that Zionism is deeply entrenched in American politics. “There is a widely accepted reality that serves Israel’s interests due to lobby influence. Some Americans are uncomfortable with this situation.”

“It’s troubling that all of the United States’ power seems to be at Israel’s command. Netanyahu’s strategies are leading both his country and allies into a perilous situation,” underlined Fidan.

‘Türkiye is not seeking new identity’

On the topic of Türkiye’s potential BRICS membership, Fidan stated that Türkiye is not seeking a new identity.

“As a nation confident in its historical identity, we are moving forward. We are not confined to an East-West axis. We view BRICS as a potential platform representing nearly 4 billion people,” he emphasized.