Turkey Will Not Decide for Israel - Foreign Ministry Criticizes Ankara

Israel's Foreign Ministry responded to threats from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, stating that Turkey, which has become a center for Hamas, has no right to decide on Israel's security issues in Gaza. Jerusalem insists on disarming Hamas and stripping the sector of weapons, emphasizing that Ankara's threats will not affect its position.

Israel's Foreign Ministry issued a statement in response to threats from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, which came a day after the publication of a map on which Israeli territory was effectively excluded. The statement emphasized that Turkey, which has become a center for Hamas and hosts its leaders, has no right to decide on Israel's security issues in the Gaza Strip. Israel's position is clear: Hamas must be disarmed and the Gaza Strip stripped of weapons, and only then can Israel take further steps. The Foreign Ministry noted that it does not intend to allow the restoration of the militants' military capabilities that would enable the group to again threaten Israeli citizens. Turkey's statements and threats will not affect Israel's position. Earlier, Kursor reported that former head of the National Security Council Meir Ben-Shabbat warned of expanding Turkish influence and strengthening military capabilities in the region, increasing the risk of a direct clash. It was also reported that Turkey is studying the possibility of sending a military contingent to southern Lebanon, which would bring Turkish soldiers closer to Israel's northern border.