At the dawn of the second phase of the peace plan for Gaza, Hakan Fidan attacked Kyriakos Mitsotakis over joint photographs with Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv. Turkey’s Foreign Minister emphasized that the Greek Prime Minister “poses for photos” while other prime ministers do not visit. The same, he said, happens with Netanyahu, who, as Fidan stressed, “doesn’t go anywhere.” He emphasized that the only way for Turkey-Israel relations to return to previous levels is an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Read: Gerapetritis & Fidan communication: Closer than ever to Mitsotakis-Erdogan meeting
During a press conference, Hakan Fidan emphasized: “We don’t see any prime minister, except the Greek Prime Minister, going to Tel Aviv to pose for photos. Nobody goes. Why don’t they go? European leaders know that taking photos with him (Netanyahu) these days is not pleasant. Neither can he (Netanyahu) go anywhere. Maybe he will eventually go there (to Greece),” he said characteristically. Onturk claimed that a Greek journalist asked him the question.
“Restoration of relations is not possible now”
Responding to a question about Washington’s desire to restart Turkey-Israel relations, Hakan Fidan reiterated that “our president’s will and vision is extremely clear.” As he said, Ankara has recognized Israel for decades, but the decision to limit relations is due, according to him, to “genocide” in Gaza after October 7th.
“When the Israelis stop the oppression and persecution of Palestinians, Turkey will have no problem with normalization. But as long as these regional policies continue, restoration of relations is not possible for us or for many other countries,” he stated.
