Erdogan: “Netanyahu’s government does not only target Iran but also plans to occupy Lebanon”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan affirmed that Netanyahu’s government is not only escalating against Iran but also planning to occupy Lebanon, stressing the importance of standing with brotherly nations and not discriminating among neighbors.

Erdoğan said:

"Everyone should be assured that we do not differentiate between our brothers and neighbors, and we do not stand idly by while our brothers suffer. Turkey and its people do not abandon the nations we consider friends and brothers in times of hardship."

He pointed out that aggressors have disregarded all principles and values for more than 27 days, saying:

"Does it make any difference whether we are Shia or Sunni, Turks or Kurds, Arabs or Persians in the eyes of the aggressors who disregard any principle, value, or standard for 27 days?"

Erdoğan also addressed the necessity of continued coexistence in the region after the aggression ends, affirming:

"After the roar of bombs and rockets spreading death stops, we will return to live together in this region, and I believe no one should forget this truth."

He emphasized rejecting any policies that fuel hostility among peoples, saying:

"We reject any act or discussion that fuels enmity among brotherly nations and supports Zionist plans of division, fragmentation, and control targeting our region."

The Turkish president also stressed the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Muslims’ right to worship:

"The right of Muslims to worship inside Al-Aqsa Mosque cannot be prevented or restricted under any pretext. For the first time since 1967, Eid prayers were not held at Al-Aqsa Mosque, and this disregard for the rules is a blatant attack on the faith of two billion Muslims."