Trump Backs Erdoğan in Netanyahu Meeting

During his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, describing him as “a tough guy” and “very smart.” Trump expressed confidence in his ability to resolve any disputes between Israel and Turkey, emphasizing the need for both sides to be “reasonable” in their dealings. He also credited Erdoğan with achieving significant influence in Syria, stating that Erdoğan had accomplished what others could not, particularly in the context of the recent changes in Syria’s leadership[1][2][4].

Trump highlighted his positive relationship with Erdoğan, noting that they have never had problems and that he believes Erdoğan likes him. He encouraged Netanyahu to work out any issues with Turkey, suggesting that he could help mediate these tensions[2][3][6]. Trump’s comments were part of a broader discussion about regional dynamics, especially following the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria[3][7].

Citations:

1. Trump urges Netanyahu to be reasonable with Türkiye, praises Erdoğan​

2. Trump praises ‘very smart’ Turkish strongman Erdoğan​Axios

3. Trump offers to mediate tensions between Israel, Turkey​

4. Trump says he told Netanyahu he ‘has to be reasonable’ about any disputes with Türkiye​

5. Why Trump’s focus on Syria, Turkey matters for Israel – analysis​

6. Hailing ‘smart’ Erdogan for ‘taking over Syria,’ Trump offers to mediate between him and Israel​AP News

7. Trump says he can mediate between Israel and Turkey, has a great relationship with Erdogan​

8. Trump announces direct talks with Iran and praises Erdogan during Netanyahu meeting​

9. Full text of Trump, Netanyahu in Oval Office: ‘We’re having direct talks with Iran’​

10. Trump’s tariffs are ‘teeing up a nationwide recession’, says Chuck Schumer – as it happened​The Guardian

11. Netanyahu-Trump meeting reveals unexpected gaps on key issues​AP News

12. Trump praises Turkey’s Erdoğan as ‘great ally’ despite Syria tensions​Axios

13. Trump praises ‘very smart’ Turkish strongman Erdoğan​Axios

14. Trump offers to mediate tensions between Israel, Turkey

Netanyahu upset

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to President Trump’s comments about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan by expressing concerns about Turkey’s influence in Syria. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel does not want Syria to be used as a base for attacks against Israel, including by Turkey. He acknowledged that Israel and Turkey had previously maintained neighborly relations, but these ties have deteriorated. Netanyahu expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to mediate tensions between Israel and Turkey, stating that he could not think of a better interlocutor than the U.S. President for this purpose[1][3][4].

Netanyahu’s focus was on ensuring that Syria is not used as a launchpad for attacks on Israel, reflecting Israel’s security concerns in the region. While Trump praised Erdoğan and suggested he could help resolve disputes between Israel and Turkey, Netanyahu’s response highlighted the need for careful diplomacy to avoid direct confrontation in Syria[3][6][7].

Citations:

1. Trump’tan Netanyahu’ya Türkiye güvencesi​

2. Trump urges Netanyahu to be reasonable with Türkiye, praises Erdoğan ties​

3. Netanyahu warns Turkey during Trump meeting: Syria must not be base for attacks on Israel​

4. Trump: İsrail’in Türkiye ile bir sorunu varsa sanırım çözebilirim​

5. Trump praises Erdoğan, offers to mediate between Israel and Turkey​

6. Netanyahu-Trump meeting reveals unexpected gaps on key issues​

7. Netanyahu: Türkiye ile herhangi bir çatışmadan kaçınmak istiyoruz​

8. Trump says he told Netanyahu he ‘has to be reasonable’ about any disputes with Türkiye​

9. Trump Erdoğan’a Arka Çıktı Netanyahu Geri Adım Attı! Basın Önünde Erdoğan’ı Bu Sözlerle Övdü​

10. Netanyahu-Trump meeting reveals unexpected gaps on key issues​

11. Trump praises Erdoğan, offers to mediate between Israel and Turkey​

12. Trump says he told Netanyahu he ‘has to be reasonable’ about any disputes with Türkiye​

13. Trump says he can mediate between Israel and Turkey, has a great relationship with Erdoğan​

14. Netanyahu says: ‘We’ll do the job’ of carrying out Trump’s Gaza plan​

15. Trump tells Netanyahu be ‘reasonable’ with Turkey, praises ‘smart’ Erdoğan​

16. Netanyahu-Trump meeting reveals unexpected gaps on key issues​

17. Trump, Netanyahu, and the Turkey-Syria Equation: A New Phase of Old Tensions​

18. Trump Erdoğan’a Arka Çıktı Netanyahu Geri Adım Attı! Basın Önünde Erdoğan’ı Bu Sözlerle Övdü​

19. Trump praises Erdoğan, offers to mediate between Israel and Turkey​

20. Full text of Trump, Netanyahu in Oval Office: ‘We’re having direct talks with Iran’

The main criticisms of Trump’s praise for Erdoğan center around several key issues:

1. Support for Authoritarianism: Critics argue that Trump’s admiration for Erdoğan reinforces the latter’s authoritarian tendencies. Erdoğan has been accused of eroding Turkey’s democracy, controlling the judiciary and media, and suppressing dissent[2][4].

2. Human Rights Concerns: Trump’s praise overlooks Erdoğan’s human rights record, including recent politically motivated arrests, such as the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu[2][4].

3. Syria Policy: Trump’s approach to Syria, particularly his decision to withdraw U.S. troops and allow Turkey to manage the region, has been criticized for abandoning Kurdish allies and potentially destabilizing the area[1][5].

4. NATO and Security Concerns: Erdoğan’s purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system has raised concerns about NATO’s security and potential intelligence leaks to Russia[1].

5. Lack of Concessions: Critics note that Erdoğan does not make concessions in exchange for Trump’s praise, which is seen as one-sided and ineffective in improving U.S.-Turkey relations[1].

Citations:

1. Trump praises ‘very smart’ Turkish strongman Erdoğan​

2. Netanyahu-Trump meeting reveals unexpected gaps on key issues​

3. Can Erdoğan forge a new bromance with Trump? His future may depend on it​The Guardian

4. President Trump Congratulates Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Referendum Victory​Time

5. Pence announces Turkey has agreed to temporary ceasefire in Syria​Axios

6. Kurds Say Turkey Is Already Violating Trump’s Ceasefire Agreement​Vanity Fair

7. What’s So Bad About Trump Calling Erdogan?​

8. Hailing ‘smart’ Erdogan for ‘taking over Syria,’ Trump offers to mediate between him and Israel​

9. Trump calls Turkish President Erdogan ‘friend,’ says he respects him​

10. Trump praises Türkiye as ‘good place,’ calls President Erdogan ‘good leader’​

11. Trump’s often compared to Putin, but his comments on the media once again evoke Erdogan​

12. Trump’s bizarre letter to Erdoğan receives harsh criticism​

13. Trump defends Turkey amid fierce backlash over policy shift