Erdoğan warns: “Israel’s next target is Türkiye”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized Israel’s expanding military operations in the Middle East, claiming that “Türkiye could be the next target of Israeli aggression”.

“Israel’s next target is Türkiye. It is also revealing this intention on various occasions,” Erdoğan stated on October 1.

“I warn Israel. a ground operation in Lebanon will not be like other attacks,” he said.

His comments, made during the opening ceremony of the new parliamentary year, come at a time of heightened regional tensions, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirming a “limited” ground operation in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah.

The situation remains fluid, with reports of Israeli airstrikes in various parts of Lebanon and Syria.

“Israel’s genocide extended to Lebanon”

“Israel’s genocide in Gaza has now extended to Lebanon. Yesterday, the occupation forces announced that they had entered Lebanese territory by land,” Turkish president said accusing Israel of using “all means available” to provoke conflict with neighboring countries.

Erdoğan also criticized the international community for its muted response to Israel’s actions, stating, “Unfortunately, Israel, which aims to set the entire region on fire, has killed 42,000 people in Gaza and is now starting massacres in Lebanon, is not receiving the necessary reaction from the world.”

Erdoğan urged global powers and organizations, particularly the United Nations, to act before more innocent lives are lost. “All states and international organizations, especially the UN, must stop Israel before more children and women die,” he said.

Ankara evacuates Turkish citizens from Lebanon

Stating that “there is a possibility that the security situation in Lebanon may deteriorate further,”  Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry announced preparations for a possible evacuation of Turkish citizens from Lebanon via air and sea.

“In coordination with relevant institutions, alternative plans have been prepared for the evacuation of our citizens by sea or air from Lebanon,” Foreign Ministry’s written statement read.

The ministry is coordinating with approximately 20 countries to facilitate the evacuation of foreign nationals through Türkiye.

“Guidelines for the evacuation of citizens of third countries via Türkiye have also been identified, and necessary preparations are underway in cooperation with nearly 20 countries that have requested support,” the Ministry stated.

It was noted that a “Coordination and Support Center” has been established to manage the process.

“A delegation involving officials from our Ministry, the Directorate General of Security, and the Presidency of Migration Management is currently on the ground,” the statement read.

“Illegal invation attempt”

In a related statement, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s ground attack in Lebanon, calling it a violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and described it as an “illegal invasion attempt”.

“This attack must come to an end immediately, and Israeli soldiers must withdraw from Lebanese territory,” Ministry’s statement read. 

The ministry warned that the attack targets not only regional countries but also the security and stability of nations outside the region, potentially leading to “a new wave of migration and give a ground to extrimists all around the world.”

“These developments will also affect the countries that provide political support and arms to Israel,” the statement read.

“The UN Security Council must uphold international law and take the necessary measures against this attack that aims the occupation of Lebanon. Every crime committed by Israel is also a blow to international law and the UN Charter. The main step that must be taken to restore peace in the region is to achieve immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Bringing peace to Gaza is the responsibility of the entire humanity.”