U.S.-Israel ties harm U.S.-Middle East relations - Fidan

Relations between the United States and Israel harm Washington's influence in the Middle East, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in an interview with Qatari television channels Al Jazeera and Qatar TV.

The FM noted that all the countries of the Gulf and Turkey have special relations with the U.S., but the U.S. relationship with Israel is placed above all else.

"But for the U.S. political system, relations with Israel are even more exceptional. Unfortunately, these relations are placed above cooperation with other countries in the region. And, of course, this situation comes at a cost to America in terms of its standing and position in our region," Fidan said.

According to him, the Turkish leadership "discusses this issue with the Americans at every opportunity", emphasizing that Israel's expansionist policy have a profound impact "not only on the region but also on global security."