Statement by FM Lapid alongside the Foreign Minister of Türkiye, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

23.06.2022

FM Lapid: Iran is behind these attempted terrorist attacks We're not only talking about the murder of innocent Israeli tourists, but also a clear violation of Turkish sovereignty by Iranian terror. We are confident that Türkiye knows how to respond to the Iranians on this matter.

(Communicated by the MFA Spokesperson)

Minister of Foreign Affairs Yair Lapid met today (Thursday, June 23, 2022) in Turkey with the Foreign Minister of Türkiye, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu. Following their meeting, FM Lapid issued the following statement:

"In recent weeks, the lives of Israeli citizens have been saved thanks to security and diplomatic cooperation between Israel and Türkiye. Just today it was published that Turkish intelligence recently foiled an Iranian plot in Istanbul. And these efforts are ongoing. We are full of appreciation for the Turkish government for this professional and coordinated activity.

"Iran is behind these attempted terrorist attacks. The intelligence leaves no doubt about it. 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. We are confident that Türkiye knows how to respond to the Iranians on this matter. For its part, Israel won't sit idly-by when there are attempts to harm its citizens in Israel and around the world.

"It is very important that in the coming weeks, we finish the process we began during your visit to Jerusalem - to allow Israeli airlines to fly directly to both Istanbul and the Turkish coast. In the last year, there was great progress in the relations between Israel and Türkiye. We began to hold discussions on returning Ambassadors in the near future, and on improving our economic and political dialogue. I hope we will complete these steps soon."