Turkish FM Fidan Warns of Potential Jet Confrontation with Israel

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan issued a clear warning during a closed-door meeting with AK Party MPs, suggesting that Turkish and Israeli warplanes may soon cross paths in Syrian airspace. In response, Fidan proposed establishing a “deconfliction mechanism” with Israel, similar to those in place with the United States and Russia, to avoid any unintended military clashes.

“Turkish and Israeli Jets May Converge”

Speaking during a Q&A session at AK Party headquarters, Fidan emphasized that both Turkish and Israeli fighter jets are active in Syrian skies, increasing the likelihood of an aerial encounter. “We have established deconfliction mechanisms with the U.S. and Russia in the past. Such a system with Israel must now also be considered,” he stated, noting that technical-level negotiations to ensure coordination would be “natural and necessary.”

EU Relations: Populism and Cultural Disconnection

Responding to questions about Türkiye-EU relations, Fidan criticized Europe’s reluctance to fully embrace Türkiye. “Governments and parties may support Türkiye’s accession, but populist politics and electoral concerns dominate public discourse,” he said. He also warned that a hypothetical U.S. withdrawal from NATO could dramatically alter regional dynamics.

On Gaza: “Convincing the U.S. Is Crucial”

Addressing U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial resettlement plan for Gaza, Fidan criticized Israel’s ongoing military actions, describing them as a strategy of bombing, starvation, and forced displacement. He emphasized that the key to resolving the crisis lies in convincing Washington to shift its position, noting that Israel’s actions amount to genocide.

Fidan confirmed that Türkiye has held talks with Arab states regarding U.S. involvement in Israel’s campaign and expressed hope that regional powers would pressure Washington to reconsider its stance.

On the Ground in Syria: PKK and PYD Under Scrutiny

Fidan revealed that Türkiye is closely monitoring reports of PYD forces agreeing to disarm and join the Syrian army, as well as the potential dissolution of the PKK. “We are tracking whether the terms of the PYD-Damascus agreement are implemented. If PKK follows through with disbanding, it will be a major shift,” he stated.

Regional Updates: Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace and Ukraine War

Fidan also commented on the Caucasus region, saying Türkiye expects a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with transport and trade corridors becoming operational as a result. Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, Fidan stated that Kyiv appears closer to peace compared to previous months.