President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan strongly criticized Israel’s expansionist policies and its cooperation with Türkiye’s adversaries during his address to the parliamentary group meeting of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) on Wednesday.

Erdoğan declared that Türkiye will respond firmly and clearly to any threat against its sovereignty or the rights of Turkish Cypriots in the Eastern Mediterranean. “Türkiye will respond strongly, clearly against any threat to its sovereignty, rights of Turkish Cypriots in the eastern Mediterranean,” he stated.

The Turkish leader also issued a stern warning to Israel against actions that threaten the security of Syria and Lebanon. He emphasized that the security of Damascus and Beirut is directly linked to Türkiye’s own security.

“Security of Damascus, Beirut means Türkiye’s security, we cannot accept fait accompli,” Erdoğan said and added firmly: “We will never allow Israel to achieve its Promised Land plan.”In the same speech, the President expressed optimism about Türkiye’s rising global standing in 2026.“2026 will inshallah be a year when Türkiye’s international reputation and visibility will rise to the top,” he said.

Erdoğan highlighted the upcoming NATO Leaders’ Summit scheduled to take place in Ankara on July 7-8, describing it as a major opportunity for Türkiye.

“We attach great importance to the NATO Leaders’ Summit to be held in Ankara on July 7-8,” he noted. He welcomed the recent announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump’s participation in the summit, calling it “a valuable step in terms of the cohesion of the alliance.

”The President added that there is intense international interest in the Ankara Summit, beyond just NATO allies, and confirmed that preparations have been intensified to make the event a historic reference point for the alliance.

Erdoğan’s remarks come amid ongoing regional tensions, positioning Türkiye as a resolute actor determined to protect its national interests, regional stability, and strategic partnerships. (ILKHA)