Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over Turkey’s involvement in Syria, accusing him of drawing Turkey into “dangerous adventures.” The remarks were made in a post on social media platform X and were published on August 20, 2026.

Katz said Israel would not allow any party to threaten its security. He said Erdogan would be better off continuing what Katz described as empty and unrealistic speeches against Israel in Turkey’s parliament rather than testing Israel’s determination to defend itself.

Tensions between Israel and Turkey have been rising over the situation in Syria and the roles played there by different countries. Katz’s pointed statement directed at the Turkish president has prompted renewed discussion amid those tensions. The source did not include a response from Erdogan or Turkish officials.