US President Donald Trump on Monday openly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adopt a “reasonable” approach in dealing with Türkiye, while lauding his own relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Speaking during an Oval Office meeting with Netanyahu, Trump emphasised his confidence in being able to resolve any disputes between the two nations.
“Bibi, if you have a problem with Turkey, I really think you’re going to be able to work it out,” Trump said, using the Israeli leader’s nickname. “I have a very, very good relationship with Turkey and with their leader, and I think we’ll be able to work it out.”
He added, “As long as you’re reasonable, you have to be reasonable. We have to be reasonable.”
Trump’s remarks appeared to catch Netanyahu off-guard during a meeting meant to reinforce US-Israel ties. The exchange came as Israel grows increasingly concerned over Turkish involvement in Syria following the collapse of the Assad regime.
Trump went further, praising Erdoğan as “a tough guy” and “very smart”, crediting him with achieving what others could not — the ousting of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia in December 2024.
“You’ve done what nobody’s been able to do in 2,000 years,” Trump said he told Erdoğan, “You’ve taken over Syria — with different names, but same thing — through surrogates.”
Following Assad’s departure, opposition leader Ahmed al-Sharaa was sworn in as president of a transitional government on January 29.
While Trump framed the Turkish role in Syria as effective, Israeli officials have accused Ankara of playing a “negative role” in the region, especially after Turkish-backed forces gained influence in northern Syria.
The US president’s comments drew criticism from human rights groups and political opponents, who highlighted Erdoğan’s crackdown on dissent — including the recent arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and over 100 other opposition officials.
Despite international concerns over Turkey’s democratic backsliding, Trump maintained his positive stance. “I happen to like him, and he likes me,” he said of Erdoğan. “And we’ve never had a problem.”
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