Turkey's Erdogan labels Israel a threat, raising regional tensions

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that Israel’s military actions in Lebanon and Syria constitute a serious threat to Turkey. In a speech to his AKP party members, he criticised Israel’s attacks in the eastern Mediterranean as destabilising and urged a reassessment of Turkey’s stance toward Jerusalem.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded, calling Erdogan “the last one who can lecture the State of Israel on morality” and accusing the Turkish leader of supporting Hamas and suppressing dissent at home. The exchange underscores a deepening strain in Turkey‑Israel relations and highlights broader security concerns across the Middle East, which analysts say could dent investor confidence in the region.