Parliament to address Erdogan’s warning on ‘Israel’s Türkiye Plan’
Members of parliament attend the reopenning of the Turkish parliament after the summer recess in Ankara, Türkiye, October 1, 2018. (Reuters/Umit Bektas)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan‘s statement that “Israel’s next target is Türkiye” sparked a strong political reaction. Opposition parties, led by the Republican People’s Party (CHP), have requested a briefing in Parliament.
The government has announced that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defense Minister Yasar Guler will inform the Turkish Parliament about the issue in a closed session.
The recent escalation of violence in the region, with Israel’s operations extending from Gaza to Lebanon and potentially Syria, continues to raise concerns. President Erdogan’s recent warning about Türkiye being a possible target has sparked widespread debate both within the public and among political circles.
Opposition demands clarification
Following President Erdogan’s warning, the CHP and other opposition parties quickly called for a detailed briefing from the government. The CHP also requested that the parliamentary session be held behind closed doors, a suggestion to which Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus has reportedly agreed.
CHP leader Ozgur Ozel expressed concern over Erdogan’s statement, saying, “I am worried by the President’s remark that Israel’s next target will be Türkiye. Let us all be aware and act accordingly. Israel is not powerful enough to threaten Türkiye.”
Government to address Parliament
The government responded positively to the opposition’s call for clarification. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) announced that Fidan and Guler will brief Parliament in a closed session.
They are expected to provide detailed information about why Türkiye might be a target in the current regional context.
AK Party Group Leader Abdullah Guler stated, “We will discuss what steps can be taken with our ministers of defense and foreign affairs. A special briefing in Parliament will likely take place in the coming weeks.”
Parliamentary briefing planned
Kurtulmus confirmed that if there is a consensus among the political parties, a closed session of Parliament could be held to discuss national security. “We are in communication with the government on this matter,” Kurtulmus said during a press conference.
CHP leader calls for transparency
CHP’s Ozel insisted that the government must be transparent with Parliament and the people. “If the President is openly discussing a threat to our country, he cannot withhold the concrete reasons and information from Parliament and the public,” Ozel stated.
