Turkish Parliament holds closed session on Israel’s threat to Ankara, Middle East

The Turkish Parliament convened in a closed session Tuesday to discuss Israel’s ongoing airstrikes on Lebanon and broader regional developments.

The session, chaired by Speaker Numan Kurtulmus, focused on the escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly Israel’s cross-border operations targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel’s threat to Türkiye.

Speaking before the closed session, Kurtulmus emphasized the importance of treating Israel’s actions as a national security threat. “We must take firm steps forward in unity and solidarity against Israel‘s expansionist policies in the region, which we see as a national security problem,” he said.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and National Defense Minister Yasar Guler are expected to brief lawmakers during the confidential sitting in the Turkish capital. Addressing Parliament before the closed session, Speaker Kurtulmus emphasized Türkiye’s role in addressing the regional crisis.

“We will fulfill all our responsibilities to extinguish this fire in the region,” he stated.

What was discussed in the closed session will remain a state secret for 10 years before being made public. Prior to the session, all rooms with journalists in Parliament were cleared, and unauthorized individuals were removed.

Türkiye’s national security concerns

Kurtulmus highlighted that the current situation is part of a longer historical process of occupation and expansion by Israel, referencing past events dating back to 1917. He underscored that this is not a recent development, but rather part of a broader regional agenda.

Kurtulmus highlighted the importance of unity within Türkiye’s government, framing Israel’s “expansionist policies” as a significant national security issue. “As the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, we must take firm steps forward in unity and solidarity against Israel’s expansionist policies in the region,” he added.

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.

Israel’s actions in Lebanon and Gaza

Since October 2023, Israel has ramped up military operations in Lebanon, supported by Western allies. According to Kurtulmus, Israel’s actions represent an attempt to capitalize on the fragmentation and instability in the region.

He warned that Israel is trying to “make the final strike,” which he referred to as the “golden blow,” to complete its plans for territorial expansion.

Kurtulmus criticized the international community’s response to the violence, questioning how many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken.

“How many more tens of thousands must die before this becomes a legitimate right to respond?” he asked.

Moving forward

Kurtulmus called on the Parliament to address the national security risks posed by Israel’s actions, expressing a hope that the assembly would find ways to shield Türkiye and the region from further instability.

He also reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to fulfilling all necessary responsibilities in extinguishing the ongoing conflict.