Trump
In a notable diplomatic moment, U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday publicly encouraged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take a “reasonable” approach in managing tensions with Turkiye.
The comments were made during a high-profile meeting in the Oval Office, originally intended to bolster U.S.-Israel relations.
Key highlights from the meeting include:
- Trump’s Direct Appeal:
Addressing Netanyahu, Trump said, “Bibi, if you have a problem with Turkey, I really think you’re going to be able to work it out.” He underscored his confidence in his own relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his ability to mediate any disputes. - Call for Reasonableness:
Repeating the phrase for emphasis, Trump told Netanyahu, “As long as you’re reasonable, you have to be reasonable. We have to be reasonable.” The unexpected remark appeared to catch the Israeli leader off guard, considering the meeting’s original purpose. - Praise for Erdogan:
Trump went on to shower praise on the Turkish president, describing Erdoğan as “a tough guy” and “very smart.” He credited Erdoğan for accomplishing what many others had failed to do — the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. - On Syria:
Trump noted that he had told Erdoğan, “You’ve done what nobody’s been able to do in 2,000 years,” referring to Turkey’s growing influence in Syria through proxy forces following Assad’s flight to Russia in December 2024. - Israel’s Concerns:
Israeli officials have voiced growing unease over Ankara’s increasing involvement in Syria, especially as Turkish-backed groups strengthen their grip in the region. They have accused Turkiye of playing a “negative role” that undermines regional stability. - Human Rights Backlash:
Trump’s remarks drew swift criticism from human rights organizations and political rivals, who pointed to Erdogan’s intensifying clampdown on opposition. This includes the recent arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and over 100 opposition members. - Trump’s Personal Rapport with Erdogan:
Despite global apprehensions about Turkiye’s democratic trajectory, Trump remained firm in his stance, saying, “I happen to like him, and he likes me. And we’ve never had a problem.”
The exchange not only highlighted contrasting views between Washington and Tel Aviv regarding Turkiye but also underscored Trump’s continuing reliance on personal diplomacy in navigating complex international affairs.
