A heated exchange has erupted between Israel and Turkey following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s suggestion of potential military intervention in Israel’s conflict with Gaza. The verbal clash began after Erdogan’s speech, where he hinted at Turkey’s readiness to act militarily, citing past interventions in other countries as precedent.
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz compared Erdogan to former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, implying that Erdogan could face a similar downfall. Katz’s comments referenced Hussein’s capture by U.S. forces in 2003 and his subsequent execution, suggesting Erdogan should heed historical warnings.
Turkey countered with harsh rhetoric, comparing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that just as Hitler’s genocidal actions ended, so too would Netanyahu’s. The ministry emphasized that those responsible for what they termed as the destruction of Palestinians would face consequences, drawing a parallel to the atrocities committed by the Nazis.
Erdogan has been vocal in his criticism during Israel’s extended conflict in Gaza. In a speech to his ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, he implied that Turkey could intervene militarily, referencing Turkey’s involvement in conflicts in Karabakh and Libya. In 2020, Turkey supported the UN-backed government in Libya with troops and provided military aid to Azerbaijan in its dispute with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan defended Erdogan’s strong stance, praising him as “the voice of humanity’s conscience” and accusing international Zionist circles, including Israel, of attempting to suppress this “righteous voice.” Fidan warned that history has often ended unfavorably for those who commit genocide and their supporters.
The tensions also have an economic dimension. Turkey restricted some exports to Israel in April, six months into the Gaza conflict, and claimed to have ceased trade with Israel entirely by early May. In retaliation, Israel threatened to annul its free trade agreement with Turkey. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich suggested that the agreement might be reinstated if a new Turkish leader, described as “sane and not a hater of Israel,” were to take power.
