Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed that "Israel's attacks in Syria and Lebanon have reached a point where they also threaten Turkey." Erdogan added that "we see 'malicious initiatives' led by Israel in the Mediterranean as well, no one should seek adventures there." According to him, "Israel refuses to withdraw from Lebanon and continues its operations there despite warnings from countries in the region. It is inciting unrest in a vast geographical area and has become a threat to humanity." He added that Turkey will respond "clearly" if the rights of Turks or Turkish Cypriots are harmed.