MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli issued a comprehensive written statement on Israel’s attacks on Syria and rising tensions in the region. Directly warning the Israeli administration, Bahçeli said Türkiye’s pro-peace stance should not be interpreted as weakness.
Bahçeli said moves by Israel in Syria that intersect with Türkiye’s security interests, as well as its initiatives in the Eastern Mediterranean, were being closely monitored.
“Israel must stop testing Türkiye’s patience”
In his message to the Israeli administration, Bahçeli stressed that Türkiye is not a country seeking conflict but would not remain silent in the face of threats to its national security.
“Türkiye is not a country seeking conflict. At the same time, it is certainly not a country that will ignore threats directed at it, stand by while its sovereign rights are violated or leave its national security to the mercy of others.”
Bahçeli called on the Israeli administration to stop provoking Türkiye, testing Türkiye’s patience and using rhetoric that encourages circles opposed to Türkiye.
The MHP leader also underlined that Türkiye’s commitment to peace should not be viewed as “weakness” and its measured policy as “incapacity.”
Strong reaction to the Abu al-Duhur attack
At the center of Bahçeli’s statement was Israel’s attack on the Abu al-Duhur Military Air Base in the countryside of Idlib, Syria, on August 18.
Bahçeli described the attack as unacceptable under international law and in terms of states’ sovereign rights and regional peace.
Bahçeli said they were closely monitoring Israel’s military actions in Syria that intersect with Türkiye’s security interests. He described Israel’s assessment of Türkiye’s capacity to create peace and stability in the region as a threat to itself as “a grave strategic mistake.”
He calls for Israel’s UN membership to be suspended
Bahçeli also made a notable appeal to the international community in his statement.
The MHP leader argued that an international sanctions process against Israel should be launched and proposed suspending Israel’s membership in the United Nations.
Bahçeli said removing the Netanyahu administration alone would not be enough, arguing that the political environment enabling new administrations in Israel to pursue similar policies must also change.
Bahçeli proposes a “Jerusalem Pact” and an “Islamic Peace Force”
Bahçeli also announced a new seven-point regional security plan aimed at establishing lasting security and peace in the Middle East.
Under the plan, he proposed establishing a “Jerusalem Pact” led by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, which would later be transformed into an “Islamic Peace Force.”
Bahçeli also called for the creation of a “Middle East Peace Coalition” involving the United States, Russia, China and the European Union; the organization of a “Middle East Security and Peace Conference” under the auspices of the United Nations; and the establishment of an international monitoring mission to oversee ceasefires.
Among Bahçeli’s proposals was also the publication of an “Ankara Declaration” outlining Türkiye’s approach to regional security.
“No power can stand in the way of the Turkish nation when it rises”
At the end of his statement, Bahçeli stressed that Türkiye supports regional peace but has the capacity to respond as necessary to threats against its national security.
The MHP leader said, “No power can stand in the way of the Turkish nation when it rises.”
Bahçeli’s statement came at a time when tensions between Ankara and Tel Aviv were rising again because of Israel’s latest military operations in Syria.
