Turkey's Erdogan may push for FM Fidan to take over UN Sec.-Gen. role, causing concern in Israel

Concern is growing in Israel over the possibility that Turkish President Erdogan may use his UN General Assembly visit to promote Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan as a candidate for UN secretary-general. Sources told the Post the option has been considered, though Turkish officials deny any such plan. The race to succeed Antonio Guterres remains unsettled, with Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan as the narrow front-runner after three straw polls. Fidan, a former intelligence chief, has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.

Concern is growing in Israel over the possibility that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could use his visit to New York for the UN General Assembly to promote Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan as a candidate to become the next UN secretary-general, potentially even announcing the move during his Tuesday UNGA address. Sources familiar with the matter told The Jerusalem Post that the possibility of putting Fidan forward for the top UN post is on the table and has been considered more than once. Turkish officials, however, strongly denied that any such move is planned. The possibility carries particular significance as the race to succeed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres enters a crucial stage without a consensus candidate. Guterres's second term expires on December 31, with his successor due to take office on January 1. In the third secret straw poll held by the Security Council on Friday, Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan emerged as the narrow front-runner, receiving nine encourage votes. Guyana's UN Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett followed with eight. Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet withdrew her candidacy following a weak showing. Fidan, 58, has been one of Erdogan's most trusted figures, serving 13 years as head of Turkey's National Intelligence Organization before becoming foreign minister in 2023. He has repeatedly accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and has maintained direct contacts with senior Hamas officials. Relations between Israel and Turkey have deteriorated dramatically since Ankara halted bilateral trade in May 2024.