Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul of the CDU recently criticized his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, over statements regarding Israel just ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara. According to reports, Wadephul deemed the remarks made by the Turkish Foreign Minister concerning Israel as “completely inappropriate.” He asserted that Israel faces an ongoing threat from the region and possesses both the right and the duty to protect its population.
The controversy arose after Fidan referred to Israel on CNN Türk among other things as a “world problem.” Furthermore, he characterized Israelis, stating that due to their politics and mindset, they had become a burden that humanity could no longer bear.
In response, Wadephul announced plans to travel to Israel before the NATO summit scheduled for Tuesday. He stated he would visit on Tuesday morning to meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, intending to discuss current issues in the Middle East. “I will travel to Israel on Tuesday morning just ahead of the NATO summit and exchange views with my colleague Sa’ar regarding the current questions in the Near and Middle East,” Wadephul said. Alongside this diplomatic outreach, he expressed a desire to contribute to mutual understanding between Israel and Turkey, believing that the region’s conflicts can only be resolved through a consensus agreed upon by both sides.
