It is impossible to normalize relations with Israel, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told journalists on Thursday, pointing to the Netanyahu administration’s genocidal policies.
Fidan was answering reporters’ questions about regional developments, including the situation in Gaza.
When a Greek journalist asked what Türkiye thought of Washington's desire to see Türkiye and Israel reestablish ties and under what conditions, Fidan said they were very clear about the matter.
"You know our president's will and vision. Türkiye recognized Israel a long time ago. We have said repeatedly why we cut off ties and commerce with Israel. It is because of the genocide it launched after Oct. 7, 2023," he said.
As a matter of fact, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in New York about one month before the start of the new round of the Palestine-Israel conflict in 2023, reportedly to revive relations, which were downgraded due to Israel's Palestine policies in the past.
"When Israel stops the pressure and cruelty targeting Palestinians, Türkiye will have no problem with normalizing relations. As long as its regional policies continue, as long as they bomb cities, kill children and women, it is impossible to normalize ties with them," he said.
"You don't see anyone visiting Tel Aviv except the Greek prime minister," he said, referring to a recent trilateral meeting of Israeli, Greek and Greek Cypriot leaders.
"Nobody goes there, and Netanyahu don't go anywhere because everyone knows that posing with Netanyahu is not a nice thing nowadays," he said.
Türkiye has championed the Palestinian cause against the Netanyahu administration’s ceaseless attacks. Still, Ankara prioritized diplomacy over military action and most recently joined Trump’s efforts to secure a cease-fire in Gaza. Israel has repeatedly violated the ceasefire over the past few months.
Israel also opposes the contribution of Türkiye to a future stabilization force for Gaza, which will be comprised of peacekeeping troops from various nations. Türkiye has voiced that it was ready to join others for the stabilization force and expressed readiness to contribute to the rebuilding of Gaza as well.
