Turkey says Israel using security as a pretext to acquire ‘more land’

InternationalMust ReadTurkey says Israel using security as a pretext to acquire 'more land'By AFP -Apr 18, 2026ANTALYA, Turkey: Turkey’s top diplomat on Saturday accused Israel of creating an international “illusion” and using security concerns as a pretext to seize “more land,” in the latest flare‑up in escalating tensions. Israel and Turkey have been trading near‑daily diplomatic barbs over a range of regional conflicts, from Israel’s war in Gaza to rising tensions linked to Iran. “Israel is not after its own security. Israel is after more land,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in the Mediterranean resort city. “Security is being used by the Netanyahu government as an excuse to occupy more land,” he added. Speaking in English at a panel discussion, Fidan said Israel had created an “illusion” internationally by portraying itself as acting purely in its own defence. “It has become very clear, especially in recent years, that it is more than that,” he said. From Palestinian lands including Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and now extending towards Lebanon and Syria, Israel was pursuing “an onward occupation and expansion in the region,” Fidan said. “I think this has to stop” “Israel has to know that the only way to live peacefully in the region is to let other countries enjoy their own security, territorial integrity and freedom, and not to use power against them,” he added. Turkey and Israel have frequently been at odds, including over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and differences over Syria’s future. Relations were severely strained in 2010 when Israeli forces raided a flotilla of ships attempting to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, killing nine Turkish activists and one US national. The flotilla was co‑organised by a Turkish aid group. ‘Move back to Russia-Ukraine talks’ Fidan on Friday met the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt for talks on regional issues, including the Midd...