Turkish president cites escalating regional conflicts as he accuses Israel of seeking to fuel instability in Syria.
ANKARA, TÜRKİYE — WEB DESK: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has warned Israel against what he described as attempts to create instability in Syria, while welcoming what he called positive developments in the neighbouring country.
Speaking at an event at the presidential complex in Ankara on Monday, October 19, Erdoğan said Türkiye was receiving encouraging news from Syria but alleged that Israel was doing everything in its power to stir up chaos there.
“We are receiving good news from Syria, but Israel is doing everything in its power to foment chaos there as well,” Erdoğan said, according to reporting by Anadolu Agency carried by the Syrian Arab News Agency and other outlets.
His remarks came as Türkiye continued to express concern over regional conflicts and their potential implications for security across the Middle East.
Erdoğan points to growing regional tensions
The Turkish president described the regional situation as a series of intensifying crises, pointing to the Russia-Ukraine war, the continuing conflict involving Palestinians, tensions surrounding Iran and renewed fighting in Yemen.
Erdoğan said the Russia-Ukraine war, which he described as being close to Türkiye’s northern border, would enter its fifth year within a few months.
He also criticised the continuation of Israel’s war against Palestinians despite agreements intended to address the conflict. His comments reflected Ankara’s concerns about the wider consequences of prolonged hostilities across the region.
According to Erdoğan, tensions had also increased as another conflict emerged in Yemen before the situation involving Iran had fully subsided.
Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia raise concerns
Erdoğan also referred to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement targeting Saudi Arabia, describing the kingdom as a friendly and brotherly country.
He said the attacks had significantly heightened regional tensions.
The comments underline Türkiye’s concern about security threats affecting countries across the Middle East, particularly as conflicts and military confrontations risk widening beyond their immediate areas.
The remarks did not, by themselves, establish a new military development involving Türkiye, Israel or Syria.
Türkiye reiterates support for Syria’s stability
Türkiye has repeatedly emphasised the importance of Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political stability.
In earlier remarks on September 25, Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for Syria’s unity and argued that strengthening Syrian state institutions and their ability to combat terrorism would serve the interests of the wider region, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency.
Ankara’s position reflects its broader security concerns regarding developments along its southern border and the potential consequences of instability inside Syria.
Erdoğan’s latest comments also highlighted the continuing disagreements between Türkiye and Israel over regional security and Israel’s actions in Syria.
