A verbal battle has erupted between Israel and Turkey after President Erdogan threatened military intervention in Gaza. Israeli and Turkish officials exchanged harsh accusations, drawing historical comparisons to figures like Saddam Hussein and Adolf Hitler. This war of words, fueled by a ten-month
A heated exchange has erupted between Israel and Turkey following a bold statement by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, suggesting that Turkey might consider military intervention in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. This provocative remark has led to a series of retaliatory comments and severe accusations from both nations’ officials. The diplomatic spat comes amid a ten-month war in Gaza, raising fears of further escalation and drawing in historical comparisons that deepen the divide.
Escalation of Rhetoric:
Erdogan’s Military Threats:
- On Sunday, President Erdogan suggested that Turkey could intervene militarily in Gaza, similar to past actions in Karabakh and Libya.
- Erdogan emphasized the need for Turkey to be strong to counteract Israeli actions against Palestine.
Israel’s Response:
- Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded by comparing Erdogan to former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, referencing Hussein’s capture and execution in 2003.
- Katz implied that Erdogan’s threats would lead to a similar downfall.
Historical Comparisons and Insults:
- The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs compared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler.
- The Ministry stated that just as Hitler ended, so would Netanyahu, and drew parallels between the Nazis and those attempting to destroy Palestinians.
- Erdogan, who has consistently condemned Israel during the ten-month conflict, reiterated Turkey’s readiness to intervene.
- He highlighted Turkey’s support for Libya’s government and Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh as examples of their commitment to defending oppressed groups.
Trade Restrictions:
- In April, Turkey restricted exports to Israel, and by early May, halted trade completely in response to the Gaza conflict.
- Israel threatened to terminate its free trade agreement with Turkey, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich suggesting the agreement could be restored under a new Turkish leader who is not hostile towards Israel.
International Reaction:
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan praised Erdogan for being the “voice of humanity’s conscience” on social media.
- Fidan accused international Zionist circles of trying to suppress Erdogan’s righteous stance, warning that history would judge genociders and their supporters harshly.