Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned on Tuesday that Israel’s ground operation in Lebanon would have far-reaching and distinct consequences, potentially involving Turkey, according to Anadolu Agency.
“The fallout of a ground assault in Lebanon will not mirror Israel’s past occupations,” Erdogan stated during the reopening of Turkey’s parliament, just hours after Israeli forces began their advance into Lebanon.
He condemned Israel’s military actions, describing the crisis in Gaza as “genocide” and denouncing the “terrorist attacks” in Lebanon, which have caused thousands of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands. Erdogan accused Israel’s government of sowing discord among regional nations.
He expressed concern that Israel’s actions have gone largely unchallenged by the international community.
Referring to the ongoing Gaza offensive, which has claimed over 41,600 lives and injured more than 96,000 people, Erdogan remarked, “In the last 51 weeks, under Netanyahu’s leadership, who is likened to Hitler, Israel has brazenly committed crimes against humanity.”
Erdogan emphasized that, “No matter what Israel does, it will eventually be stopped.” He further cautioned that Israel’s ambitions reach beyond Palestine and Lebanon, implying that Turkey could also become a target.
He criticized Netanyahu’s government for what he called a “delusional vision,” claiming it includes aspirations for Anatolia and the establishment of proxy structures in northern Iraq and Syria through separatist groups.
Erdogan concluded by warning that, “Occupation, terror, and aggression are at our doorstep.” He labeled Israel a “gang of killers” that thrives on violence and occupation. He stressed that Israeli aggression poses a direct threat to Turkey, vowing that his government would “combat this state terrorism by all means necessary” to protect the nation’s sovereignty.
