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According to Kathimerini's Manolis Kostidis, Turkey is navigating a tense situation following Iran's recent missile strikes on Israel. Instead of condemning these attacks, Turkey is expressing concern over potential Israeli retaliation against Lebanon, warning that this could ignite a wider conflict in the region.
Reports from Turkish media indicate that NATO radar systems at the Kurecik base in Turkey were active during the Iranian missile attack, allowing Turkish airborne radar to track the missiles' paths in real-time. This monitoring underscores Turkey's concern about the rising tensions in the region.
Omer Celik, a spokesperson for Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, criticized Israel's actions. He warned that if the international community doesn’t adequately address Israel’s "genocidal government," the resulting instability could extend well beyond the region. Celik expressed frustration with the support Israel receives from the U.S., noting that the Mediterranean Sea is becoming crowded with American military vessels, which he claims are primarily there to protect Israel.
Celik argued that while every country has the right to defend itself against terrorism, Israel’s justification for its military actions is leading to civilian casualties. He went further to claim that the current Israeli government poses a threat to Jewish safety both in Israel and globally.
In response to concerns about escalating violence due to Israel’s actions in Lebanon and the Iranian missile strikes, Turkish defense officials reiterated that Israel's breaches of international law are significant threats to both international and regional security. They assured that the Turkish military is prepared to deal with any threats to Turkey's safety.
Additionally, a Turkish newspaper reported that Ankara was closely monitoring the Iranian missile attacks from the beginning. It mentioned that precautions were taken, including deploying AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft to oversee Turkish airspace during the incidents. The report also highlighted that NATO radar data from the Kurecik base has been shared with other NATO countries, showcasing Turkey's commitment to maintaining stability in the region.
