Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized Western powers for allegedly supporting “Israeli” military actions against Lebanon. In a speech to lawmakers, Erdogan accused Western powers of backing Israel’s plans and warned against the potential escalation of conflict in the region.
Erdogan also condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions, calling them “pathetic” and expressing concern over the consequences of Netanyahu’s plans for Lebanon. Netanyahu had announced a transition in military operations from Gaza to the northern border, citing defensive measures.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan cautioned Greece and Cyprus against involvement in regional conflicts, citing concerns about militarization in southern Cyprus. Additionally, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warned Cyprus against cooperating with Israel and threatened retaliatory actions.
In response, the Cypriot government denied any involvement in Israel’s actions in Gaza and reaffirmed its commitment to avoiding military engagements. The situation remains tense as tensions continue to rise in the region.