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The trilateral military cooperation initiative between Israel, Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) does not pose a military threat to Türkiye, the Ministry of National Defense stated on Thursday, while warning that steps contrary to the spirit of alliance "cannot change the situation on the ground."
"The initiative in question does not constitute a military threat to Türkiye," the ministry said at a weekly press briefing held at Aselsan.
"Israel's statements directed at Türkiye and its rhetoric that could increase tension in the region have no basis in terms of the realities on the ground and international law," the ministry added.
The Turkish Ministry of National Defense also noted that Ankara remains committed to maintaining stability in the region and sustaining an environment of dialogue.
"Our country favors constructive dialogue in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean on the basis of NATO alliance. However, it should be known that steps contrary to the spirit of alliance cannot change the situation on the ground," the statement said.
The ministry emphasized that Türkiye's position regarding the security and rights of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is "clear and unchanging," adding that, "Türkiye has not refrained from using the powers granted to it by its guarantorship until today, and will not refrain from doing so in the future."
The ministry also stated that Türkiye is not the party that is escalating tensions in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
"The party escalating tension in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean is not Türkiye, but exclusionary and unilateral steps, approaches aimed at creating fait accompli," the statement said, noting, "Türkiye favors the region being shaped as a basin of cooperation and stability rather than becoming an area of conflict."
Responding to Greek media reports alleging Turkish airspace violations, the ministry said: "At the basis of airspace violation claims lies the inconsistency in Greece's approach to territorial waters and airspace, which has no example today or in history."
"The flights our country conducts in the Aegean are carried out in international airspace. Türkiye is inclined to resolve all problems with Greece through peaceful means, through dialogue and negotiation, within the framework of international law, mutual goodwill and good neighborly relations," the ministry said.
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The statement comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides held a trilateral summit in West Jerusalem on Dec. 22.
Greek media reported the three sides discussed plans for a 2,500-strong "Rapid Reaction Force" as a "deterrence axis" against Türkiye.
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