Erdogan accused Israel of undermining stability in Syria, warning that Turkey was surrounded by a "ring of fire" as regional conflicts intensified.
Israel is acting to try to destabilize Syria, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed during a speech on Monday.
"There is good news coming from Syria, but Zionist Israel is doing everything in its power to destabilize that region as well," Erdogan said, after describing how Lebanon is in a "situation that is not encouraging."
"Israel’s attacks on Palestine continue unabated despite the agreements that have been signed,” he added.
"As I always say, 'we are surrounded by a ring of fire.' That's exactly the situation we're in. In this environment of chaos and crisis, we are working day and night to ensure that Turkey remains unharmed," he said.
“We managed to keep our country away from the conflicts around it. We have not fallen for incitement or provocation. We managed tough processes sensibly and patiently. But as long as we bravely stand with the oppressed, regardless of their faith, just as our ancestors did, they are going to work against us... We will remain alert to those trying to dash the hopes of our nation, undermine our morale and sow the seeds of discord in our nation,” he added, in implied reference to Israel.
He also warned against "those seeking to tear our region to shreds," also implicitly denouncing Israel.
Netanyahu says he hopes Israel can avoid direct confrontation with Turkey
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said he hoped to avoid a direct confrontation between the two countries amid ongoing tensions during a security briefing.
“I hope we do not reach a head-on confrontation. At least, that is what I am trying to achieve,” he said.
Netanyahu said he would welcome a return to the close ties Israel and Turkey once enjoyed but expressed skepticism that relations could improve under Erdogan.
“I do not think that is going to happen under Erdogan’s rule,” he said.
Netanyahu pointed to Erdogan's rhetoric toward Israel as a source of concern, saying Israel was preparing for all possible scenarios.
“He says that the State of Israel must be destroyed, that they must return to ruling Jerusalem because it is their city. All these statements are extremely hostile, and we are taking every possibility into account,” Netanyahu said.
Erdogan also denounces Houthi attacks on Riyadh
Tensions in Iran have yet to fully subside as a "new conflict has been ignited" in Yemen, the president said.
"Before the tension in our neighbor Iran has completely subsided, a new conflict has been ignited in Yemen. The Houthi attacks targeting our friend and brother Saudi Arabia have caused tensions in our region to escalate further. In their attack on Riyadh airport, many of our Muslim brothers, including pilgrims, were killed, and hundreds were wounded," Erdogan said.
Amichai Stein contributed to this report.