Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday criticized Israel’s increasing aggression, linking it to an attempt to overshadow the Syrian revolution and suppress the aspirations of Syrians.

“Even if Israel is acting opportunistically, sooner or later it will have to withdraw from the lands it occupies,” Erdogan stated during an address to the nation after the final Cabinet meeting of the year in Ankara. He specifically referred to Israel's recent illegal incursion into Syria, asserting Türkiye’s commitment to standing on the right side of history since the Syrian crisis began in 2011.

Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s enduring support for Syria as a “neighbor and brother,” affirming its dedication to protecting Syria’s territorial integrity and unitary structure.

“We will never back down on this,” Erdogan declared, pledging to provide all necessary assistance to ensure the permanence of the Syrian people’s achievements following their triumph over the “oppressive regime.”

Erdogan also reiterated his government’s firm stance against terror groups operating in Syria, including Daesh/ISIS and the PKK. “The PKK and its affiliates will either disband or be eliminated,” he warned, highlighting Ankara’s commitment to counterterrorism operations with “surgical precision” to avoid civilian harm.

Highlighting Türkiye’s active diplomatic efforts, Erdogan pointed to recent meetings hosted in Ankara. On Dec. 11, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met in Türkiye under the Ankara process, an initiative aimed at resolving disputes between the two nations.

Erdogan expressed optimism about the agreement reached through the Ankara Declaration, saying, “We believe this historic step will contribute to lasting peace, tranquility, and stability in the Horn of Africa.”

He also discussed the recent visit of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Türkiye, during which they addressed Syria’s post-war recovery. Erdogan pledged Türkiye’s support for Syria in rebuilding its state and society after 13 years of war.

Erdogan described Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s recent visit to Türkiye as “extremely valuable,” especially following Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Erdogan praised Mikati’s leadership during one of Lebanon’s most challenging periods and pledged Türkiye’s full support for the country.

“During this process, we will not betray the trust placed in our country or in me personally, and we will stand by Lebanon with all our resources,” Erdogan stated.

Erdogan’s remarks underscored Türkiye’s determination to safeguard Syria’s territorial integrity, support its recovery, and uphold regional stability while calling out Israel’s aggressive policies and reaffirming Türkiye’s role as a regional leader and mediator. (ILKHA)