Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has accused Israel of attempting to seize more land under the pretext of security. Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Fidan said that Israel is not pursuing genuine security concerns but is instead engaged in a broader effort to expand its territorial control. He specifically criticized the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for using security as an excuse to justify further land occupation.

The comments came as Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel would maintain its positions in southern Lebanon, which it has taken and now controls, despite a ceasefire with Lebanon. Katz also warned that Israel’s military operations in Lebanon are not yet over and vowed to disarm the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah by any means necessary.

The exchange of statements highlights ongoing regional tensions following the ceasefire, with Turkey voicing strong opposition to Israel’s continued military and territorial actions.