Chikli Warns Against Turkish Ambitions at Cyprus Independence Event in Tel Aviv
Minister Amichai Chikli warned against Turkey's regional ambitions during Cyprus's Independence Day in Tel Aviv, calling for a stronger security alliance.
Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli delivered a sharp speech at the 66th Independence Day celebration of Cyprus in Tel Aviv, warning against Turkey's regional ambitions and calling for a deeper security alliance between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, alongside the United States.
Strategic Warnings on Turkey
Amichai Chikli sharply criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, highlighting his support for Hamas and Ankara's aggressive regional posture.
Erdogan's vision combines the radical ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood with the totalitarian goal of restoring the Ottoman Empire. Turkey under his leadership has become a shared strategic challenge for Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, said the minister.
Strengthening the Eastern Mediterranean Alliance
Emphasizing the vital importance of the trilateral partnership, the minister urged enhanced military and strategic cooperation with Washington to counter external pressures.
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Geography made us neighbors, but our alliance was built by shared choice.
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Israel's security and Cyprus's sovereignty are deeply interconnected strategic interests.
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Free nations will not be deterred by intimidation or political coercion.
Concluding his remarks, Amichai Chikli addressed the Turkish leadership directly, warning against underestimating the resolve of free democracies in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.
