Israeli Defense Minister Katz issues warning to Turkey
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said Israel has no wish for direct military conflict with Turkey, but warned sharply that Ankara will not be allowed to build up forces against Israel in Syria.
RastinewsIsraeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said Israel does not seek direct military conflict with Turkey, but warned bluntly that Ankara will not be permitted to build up a military presence against Israel in Syria.
Speaking to Israel's Channel 14 about Turkey, Syria, Iran and the fighting in Gaza, Katz said Israel had no wish to go to war with Turkey directly. Even so, he aimed sharp, threatening language at President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
"We will not allow Erdoğan to strengthen Syria against us. We know how to protect Israel's interests," Katz said. "Right now there is no direct military confrontation between Israel and Turkey, and we do not want one."
The Israeli minister addressed Erdoğan directly, calling on Turkey not to interfere with Israel's activities in the region.
"Don't mess with us," Katz said, warning that Turkey could otherwise end up in the same position as Iran.
Katz called on Erdoğan to focus on Turkey's own affairs, adding that Israel would keep acting in Syria according to its own security interests.
His remarks marked the latest escalation in tensions between Ankara and Tel Aviv, driven largely by rival interests in Syria.
Katz rejected any comparison of Israel to a "crumbling Crusader empire," saying Jerusalem could not be likened to the conquest of Istanbul. He said Israel was in the region to stay and had the military strength to defend itself.