Hakan Fidan has accused Israel of using security concerns as a pretext for territorial expansion, amid escalating tensions in the region.

Fidan made the remarks on Saturday at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where he criticised the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He alleged that Israel’s actions go beyond self-defence, arguing that its operations reflect a broader agenda of land acquisition.

According to him, Israel has created an international perception that its actions are driven solely by security needs, but recent developments suggest otherwise.

Fidan pointed to ongoing developments in Palestinian territories, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, as well as activities extending toward Lebanon and Syria, which he described as part of a pattern of expansion.

Tensions between Turkey and Israel have intensified since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, which followed the October 7, 2023, cross-border attack by Hamas on Israel.

The Turkish foreign minister called for a halt to what he described as expansionist policies, stressing that lasting peace in the region depends on mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and security among nations.