Turkey to Israel: Just as Genocidal Hitler Ended, So Will Genocidal Netanyahu

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.