Turkey was the first Muslim country to recognize the independence of the State of Israel back in 1949. This recognition came at a time when Ankara’s relationship with Tehran dated back to ties between the first shah of the Pahlavi dynasty, Reza, and Atatürk. Recently, the frequent meetings of Turkish officials with their Iranian counterparts have raised concerns, sparking questions about the nature of their relationship. These questions may have been answered by the Foreign Minister Khan Fidan’s statement in an interview with the “Al-Arabiya” network. Fidan believes that pro-Iranian militias in Iraq are prepared to confront the Kurdish underground (PKK) in the Sinjar region of northern Iraq.
The relationship between Turkey and Israel has been strained due to anti-Israeli measures taken by Turkey, such as the cessation of trade with Israel. Additionally, a meeting between Fidan and the chairman of the pro-Iranian militias “Hashad al-Shaabi,” Falah al-Fiad, raised concerns given the subsequent Iranian attack on Israel. Fidan, who previously served as the head of the Turkish Intelligence Agency, has led an aggressive stance against Israel, as seen in projects like the land corridor project “Derech ha-Fithuh.”
Despite Fidan’s past actions, Israel had hoped for potential cooperation with him, considering his appointment as Foreign Minister after the elections of last year. However, his recent statements and meetings indicate a different stance towards Israel. The ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran worry Fidan, who believes they could escalate into a larger conflict. Yet, he also acknowledges the efforts of Qatar and Egypt to mediate between Israel and Hamas, revealing Turkey’s position as a non-active party in these negotiations.
In addressing the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian issue, Fidan suggests a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders as a potential long-term solution. This proposal aligns with the views of many Palestinians, including Hamas, indicating a willingness to pursue peace. The current geopolitical dynamics in the region, as highlighted by Fidan’s statements, reflect the complexity of Middle Eastern relations and the challenges faced in achieving lasting peace.