Netanyahu voices concern over Turkish leadership’s statements

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan should “calm down” amid his rhetoric toward Israel, The Times of Israel reports.

In an interview with an Israeli television channel, Netanyahu confirmed that he is concerned by statements made by the Turkish leadership and stressed that Israel will not allow any threats to its security.

“We will not allow anyone to threaten our existence. We will not allow anyone to threaten our security. And I think we have demonstrated what we are capable of,” he noted.

Netanyahu's comments followed a series of recent statements by Turkish officials regarding Jerusalem, including remarks by Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi, who expressed hope for the city's "liberation" during a speech at a ruling AK Party advisory council meeting in Çorum province.

The Israeli premier also said he had discussed the issue of military presence in the Sinai Peninsula with Egyptian officials, emphasising the importance of adhering to existing agreements between the two countries.

“I have held discussions with the Egyptians, and I told them what I expect to be done. Part of it is already being carried out. These are matters that simply involve upholding the agreements between us,” the PM stressed, without elaborating.

“I think we need to safeguard our borders. But we must understand: as one power declines, another power rises. That is always the way things work. And the power that must continue rising — and to rise faster — is the State of Israel,” the prime minister added.

By Jeyhun Aghazada