Erdogan accuses Israel of destabilising Syria, says Turkey is in a “ring of fire”

ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Israel of trying to destabilise Syria. According to The Jerusalem Post, he said in a speech on Monday that good news was coming from Syria, but Israel was doing everything it could to spread unrest in that region as well. According to Hurriyet Daily News, the speech was delivered at the presidential complex in Ankara.

Erdogan said Turkey was surrounded by a “ring of fire” and the government was working day and night in this environment to keep the country safe. According to him, Turkey had been kept away from the conflicts around it, had not fallen for provocation and had passed through difficult phases with patience and prudence. He said that as long as Turkey stood with the oppressed, regardless of their religion, some elements would keep working against it. He also announced that Turkey would remain vigilant against those sowing the seeds of discord in the nation. According to The Jerusalem Post, the statement was an indirect reference to Israel.

The Turkish president described the situation in Lebanon as “not encouraging”. He said Israeli attacks on Palestine were continuing despite the signing of agreements. He also mentioned the war between Russia and Ukraine, which will enter its fifth year in a few months, near Turkey’s northern border.

According to Erdogan, a new conflict has begun in Yemen before tensions in Iran have fully ended. He mentioned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and called Saudi Arabia a friend and brother of Turkey. He said several Muslims, including pilgrims, were killed and hundreds injured in the attack on Riyadh airport.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a security briefing on Sunday that he hoped to avoid a direct clash between the two countries, and that this was at least his effort. He said Israel would welcome a return to the close ties Israel and Turkey once had, but in his view this would not happen under Erdogan. Describing Erdogan’s statements as extremely hostile, Netanyahu said Israel was keeping every possible scenario in view.