Tensions between Turkey and Israel have escalated with a significant statement from Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz that he called for Turkey’s expulsion from NATO.
Call for NATO Expulsion
On Monday night, the Israeli Foreign Ministry released a statement. Katz urged NATO members to consider expelling Turkey from the alliance. This came in response to what Katz described as threatening rhetoric from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Katz instructed Israeli diplomats to urgently communicate with NATO members. He advocated for Turkey’s condemnation and removal from the alliance.
Erdoğan’s Defense of Palestinian Rights
Tensions peaked after Erdoğan’s speech on Sunday in Rize. He addressed the Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) provincial organization. Erdoğan criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza. He suggested that Turkey could intervene similarly to its actions in Karabakh and Libya. “Just as we entered Karabakh and Libya, we can do the same to them. There is nothing preventing us from taking similar measures,” he stated.
Katz’s Response and Comparisons
In a provocative response, Katz shared a post on X (formerly Twitter). He compared Erdoğan to Iraq’s former leader Saddam Hussein. Katz included a photo of Erdoğan and Saddam side by side. He commented, “Erdoğan is following in Saddam Hussein’s footsteps, threatening to attack Israel. He should remember what happened and how it ended.” Katz emphasized Turkey’s support for Hamas and its role in what he termed the “axis of evil” with Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen.
Strong Reaction From Turkey
Turkey swiftly responded to Katz’s statements. The Turkish Foreign Ministry, in a statement on X, compared Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to Hitler. “Just as the Nazis were held accountable, so too will those attempting to annihilate Palestinians,” they stated. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also defended Erdoğan, calling him “the voice of humanity’s conscience.”
Domestic Support for Erdoğan
The statements from Israel sparked strong reactions within Turkey, rallying significant domestic support for President Erdoğan. AKP Deputy Chair Mustafa Elitaş vehemently condemned Katz’s remarks, labeling Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as a “Zionist, genocidal murderer.” Elitaş emphasized the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Palestinians, resonating strongly with the AKP base.
MHP (National Movement Party) leader Devlet Bahçeli also criticized Katz’s comments as “vile” and “detached from historical and factual realities.” He highlighted the unity of the Turkish nation against “genocidal Israel” and stressed the importance of being prepared for all scenarios, politically, strategically, and militarily. Bahçeli’s remarks aimed to bolster national morale and convey Turkey’s resilience and preparedness to both domestic and international audiences. These strong reactions from key political figures in Turkey illustrate a unified front in support of Erdoğan’s position. They reflect the deep-rooted sentiments and historical grievances that shape Turkey’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the broader geopolitical implications of the ongoing tensions.
Context of the Conflict
The backdrop to these heated exchanges is the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This conflict escalated following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023. Israel’s subsequent military operations in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties. Over 39,000 Palestinians have been reported killed by the Gaza Health Ministry since the conflict’s escalation.
