Shouting Match Erupts Between Turkish FM and Israeli Representative at Peace Council
A shouting match erupted at a closed Peace Council meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Israeli representative Michael Eisenberg, before being halted by Jared Kushner.
Channel 13 journalist Suleiman Maswadeh reported on a sharp confrontation at the Peace Council involving Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Israeli representative Michael Eisenberg, who is close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The incident took place during a closed-door council meeting in New York a week ago, attended by U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoys to the newly formed council, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. During the session, Fidan took the floor and attacked Israel, accusing it of genocide in Gaza and starving the Palestinian population. Eisenberg responded to his remarks, and when Fidan attempted to interrupt, Eisenberg snapped, "You will let me finish what I have to say." The shouting match was eventually halted by Kushner.
Tensions Between Ankara and Jerusalem
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is well known for his harsh rhetoric against Israel. A week and a half ago, Fidan fiercely attacked the Israeli government and Netanyahu, claiming that Israeli policy has become a threat extending beyond regional boundaries. In an interview with NTV, Fidan asserted that Netanyahu's recent statements against Turkey are designed to bolster his political standing domestically.
"Hostility toward Turkey and portraying Turkey as a threat are the products of his attempt to present himself as irreplaceable," Fidan stated.
He added that Ankara does not take these statements lightly and is closely monitoring Israel's regional military cooperation. Fidan expressed hope that Israel would adopt a foreign policy based on peace, dignity, and cooperation, warning that otherwise, "it will not only become increasingly isolated, but will also pay the price alongside the region."
The Peace Council Initiative for Gaza
Earlier, senior officials of the Peace Council presented their plan for advancing the next phase in the Gaza Strip on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The initiative includes the demilitarization of Hamas, the establishment of new Palestinian governance and security mechanisms, the deployment of an international stabilization force, and billions of dollars in investments for the reconstruction of the strip. Representatives from roughly 35 countries and international organizations attended the meeting.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, a member of the Peace Council's executive committee, emphasized the necessity of going beyond physical reconstruction to establish a new governance and economic system that allows the enclave to operate without Hamas. Blair stressed that without deep structural changes in how Gaza is managed, transforming the ceasefire into a stable arrangement will remain impossible.
