Trump Praises Erdogan, Urges Israel to Resolve Turkey Disputes
During a high-stakes Oval Office meeting on Monday, former President Donald Trump advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adopt a “reasonable approach” in dealing with Turkey, underscoring his personal rapport with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
“If you run into issues with Turkey, I think you’ll find a way to resolve them,” Trump told Netanyahu, expressing confidence that U.S.-allied nations could overcome their differences through diplomacy. He emphasized the importance of a balanced stance, especially given Turkey's expanding influence in northern Syria.
Regional Shifts After Assad’s Exit
The discussion occurred amid significant shifts in Syria. The exit of ex-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, reportedly under Russian protection by the end of 2024, has created new power vacuums. Turkey, with the help of its allied militias and local actors, has greatly expanded its influence in northern Syria. Trump seemed to endorse Turkey’s increasing role in the area. 'You've effectively taken control of Syria—through partners on the ground,' he stated, referring to Ankara’s backing of various opposition groups that contributed to reshaping the post-Assad scenario.
Israel Remains Wary of Turkish Ambitions
Israel, however, views Turkey’s expanding presence with deep concern. Officials in Jerusalem have accused Ankara of destabilizing Syria’s north by backing groups that could pose long-term security risks to Israel and its allies. The rapid rise of Ahmed al-Sharaa, now leading Syria’s transitional government, has raised further questions about the country’s future alignment.
Israeli officials have also expressed skepticism over Erdoğan’s regional goals, fearing that Turkish-backed militias may not contribute to long-term stability and could threaten Israel’s northern security architecture.
Human Rights Concerns Ignored
Trump’s praise for Erdoğan sparked backlash from human rights advocates and members of Congress. Critics highlighted the Turkish government’s ongoing crackdown on opposition figures—including the detention of Istanbul’s popular mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu—as evidence of democratic backsliding.
When asked about Erdoğan’s authoritarian record, Trump dismissed the criticism. “I like him, and he likes me. We’ve never had a problem,” he said, offering no comment on Turkey’s internal political repression.