Wed Oct 02 10:23:24 UTC 2024: ## Turkey Navigates Tightrope Between Condemning Israel and Disassociating From Hezbollah
**Ankara, Turkey** – Turkey has adopted a cautious approach in reacting to the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israel, balancing its condemnation of the attack with concerns about Hezbollah’s role in Syria and its ties to Iran.
While Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan joined other Arab leaders in criticizing Israel’s actions in Lebanon, he notably omitted any mention of Nasrallah’s killing in his statement. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan acknowledged the death but instead highlighted its potential impact on Iran’s “Axis of Resistance.”
Analysts suggest Turkey’s hesitation stems from its complex relationship with both Israel and Hezbollah. Ankara has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in the region, particularly its recent attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. However, Turkey also remembers Hezbollah’s involvement in the Syrian Civil War, which led to millions of Syrian refugees entering Turkey.
“Turkey walks a tight line between not showing solidarity for Hezbollah and Iran on one side and demanding an end to Israeli escalation on the other,” said Omer Ozkizilcik, an analyst with the Atlantic Council.
Turkey’s ruling AK party has historically supported the Syrian opposition against Bashar al-Assad and has engaged in military operations against pro-Assad forces, including those affiliated with Hezbollah.
The Turkish government is currently formulating a new Middle East policy aiming to improve relations with both Syria and Lebanon. This necessitates navigating the complex dynamics between Hezbollah, Israel, and Iran, and avoiding being drawn into Iran’s rhetoric on Palestinian politics.
Despite its reservations, Turkey remains deeply concerned about Israel’s escalating actions in the region. “Israel, on its path to re-establish its deterrence, has eventually shaped itself as an unrestrained and rogue force,” said a source familiar with Ankara’s thinking. “It isn’t sustainable for them to continue their assassination campaigns for long.”
While Turkey condemns Israel’s actions, its cautious approach reflects a delicate balancing act in a volatile region where its interests are deeply intertwined with those of various factions.
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