Erdogan says Israel's aggression endangers Turkey along with the full Mediterranean zone

Erdogan also said there were initiatives, led by Israel, to destabilize the Mediterranean region and warned that "nobody should chase adventures" or join Israel's "boat of mischief."

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of male and female dormitories at Bogazici University, in Istanbul, Turkey, February 13, 2026.

(photo credit: UMIT BEKTAS/REUTERS)

ByREUTERS

JUNE 10, 2026 13:36

Updated: JUNE 10, 2026 17:02

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Wednesday that Israel's strikes in Syria and Lebanon have escalated to a level endangering Turkey as well. He emphasized that Israel's aggressive behavior endangers global stability and requires immediate cessation.

NATO member Turkey has been one of the strongest critics of Israel's operations in Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon, identifying Israel as the main barrier to peace in the region. It has suspended all commercial exchanges with Israel and advocated for actions against it in global judicial bodies.

"The assaults by Netanyahu and his associates on Lebanon and Syria have advanced to a stage that endangers Turkey too," Erdogan informed members of his ruling AK Party in parliament. He noted that Turkey's security is linked to that of Lebanon and Syria.

Erdogan further claimed Israel is orchestrating covert actions to destabilize nations in Africa and the Mediterranean by sparking conflict on the divided island of Cyprus.

"These minor groups, with aspirations exceeding their scale, have joined Israel's path of disruption, acting as agents for Zionist interests, and chasing illusions in the Eastern Mediterranean," he remarked, without providing specifics.

Turkey attributes US-Iran conflict to Israeli instigations

"Nobody should pursue risky endeavors. I want everyone to know that if the rights of Turkey and Turkish Cypriots are violated in the Eastern Mediterranean, our response will be very clear and very strong."

Turkey, sharing a border with Iran, has attributed the onset of the US-Iran war to Israel's provocations.

Erdogan on Wednesday urged world powers to adopt a firmer position against Israel, saying it is encouraged by the silence of the international community.

"Bringing Israel back under the constraints of international law has become a collective responsibility for all of humanity, not merely select nations," he stated.

Netanyahu responds to Erdogan, accusing him of antisemitism and genocide against Kurds

In an X post, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu retorted to Erdogan: "The antisemitic dictator Erdogan, who is perpetrating genocide against the Kurds, supporting the Hamas terrorist group, suppressing his citizens, and detaining his political opponents, is the least qualified to advise the State of Israel."

"The State of Israel and the IDF, recognized as the most ethical army globally, will persist in taking firm measures against Iran and its allies, which endanger the Middle East and the world at large," he continued.