Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a scathing condemnation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent remarks, denouncing them as “outrageous” and devoid of credibility. Erdogan’s statements, made on Saturday, expressed Turkey’s support for Hamas while likening Netanyahu to a Nazi.
Netanyahu’s response came swiftly, dismissing Erdogan’s comments as hypocritical and lacking moral authority. “Israel, which adheres to the laws of war, will not accept moral preaching from Erdogan,” asserted Netanyahu, highlighting Turkey’s support for what he termed as “murderers and rapists” of the terrorist organization Hamas. He also accused Erdogan of denying the Armenian Genocide and perpetrating atrocities against Kurds within Turkey’s borders.
President Erdogan’s remarks, asserting Turkey’s open dialogue and firm backing of Hamas leaders, further escalated tensions between the two nations. Erdogan went on to accuse Israel of war crimes in Gaza, drawing parallels between Netanyahu’s administration and infamous dictators such as Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin, likening them to “today’s Nazis.”
The exchange of accusations underscores the deep-seated animosity between Israel and Turkey, which has been exacerbated by Erdogan’s vocal support for Palestinian causes and his outspoken criticism of Israel’s policies in Gaza. Netanyahu’s strong rebuke reflects Israel’s refusal to entertain Erdogan’s rhetoric, particularly as it pertains to Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by Israel and many other countries.
As the war of words continues between the leaders of Israel and Turkey, the diplomatic rift between the two nations shows no signs of abating, further complicating efforts for regional stability in the Middle East.
