Lapid called recent attempted Iranian attacks on Israelis a “clear violation of Turkish sovereignty by Iranian terror.”
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid expressed his thanks to Turkey for helping thwart Iranian attempts to attack Israelis in the country, during a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara on Thursday.
“In recent weeks, the lives of Israeli citizens have been saved thanks to security and diplomatic cooperation between Israel and Turkey,” said Lapid during a joint press conference, referencing reports published on Thursday about suspects recently arrested by Turkey in the attempted attacks.
“We are full of appreciation for the Turkish government for this professional and coordinated activity,” added Lapid. “I want to thank all the Turkish and Israeli officials – at the Foreign Ministry, the intelligence and security forces, and the National Security Council – who have handled this matter in recent weeks.”
“No country should tolerate terror on its soil.”
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid
“Iran is behind these attempted terrorist attacks. The intelligence leaves no doubt about it,” stressed the foreign minister. “We’re not only talking about the murder of innocent Israeli tourists, but also a clear violation of Turkish sovereignty by Iranian terror. No country should tolerate terror on its soil.”
Lapid added that Israel is “confident that Turkey knows how to respond to the Iranians on this matter” and warned that Israel “won’t sit idly-by when there are attempts to harm its citizens in Israel and around the world.”
“Our immediate goal is to bring about calm that will enable us to change the travel warning to Turkey,” said the foreign minister, expressing hopes that Israeli tourists will be able to return to Turkey soon.
Lapid also referenced diplomatic reconciliation ongoing between Turkey and Israel, saying that the two countries are holding discussions to return their ambassadors to their embassies in each country soon and to improve economic and political dialogue.
The Turkish foreign minister referred to the Iranian terrorist threat as well, stating that the security institutions of both countries have been in close contact with each other amid the threat.
“We don’t and won’t let such incidents happen in our country by any means. Any terror attack or any kind of clashes like this are not permissible in our country and I believe we have given the relevant message to the terrorists,” said Cavusoglu.
The Turkish foreign minister also referenced the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, stating that the topic was on the agenda both when he visited Israel and during Lapid’s current visit to Ankara.
“Everyone should take very careful steps in order not to cause harm to peace aspirations and to a two-state solution.”
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu
“The Israeli side knows very well our expectations and sensitivities about this issue because whenever we meet we convey our sensitivities, especially that everyone should take very careful steps in order not to cause harm to peace aspirations and to a two-state solution,” said the foreign minister. “We always say that unilateral steps should be avoided.”
Cavusoglu additionally thanked Israel for its coordination on economic issues and for providing support in the fight against wildfires in Cyprus.
An Israeli firefighting delegation, comprised of c130j Hercules transport planes, took off for the island of Cyprus to help put out fires that are spreading in the north of the island on Thursday.
The Turkish foreign minister added that Israeli and Turkish delegations would discuss civil aviation issues on July 4th and would like to start maritime deliberations soon.
Lapid began planning a trip to Ankara soon after Cavusoglu’s visit to Jerusalem last month. However, he decided to go earlier than originally planned in light of the close cooperation between Israel and Turkey against the Iranian terrorist threat.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Recep Tayyip Erdogan have spoken on the phone several times since Herzog became president more than a year ago, facilitating a rapprochement between Israel and Turkey. Herzog visited Ankara earlier this year.