Erdogan's Policy Deepens Turkey-Israel Tensions, Risks Conflict

From Ankara's perspective, the recent indictment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials by an Istanbul court is a necessary and just legal action, reflecting the gravity of alleged crimes against humanity and genocide. This move, seeking a lengthy prison sentence, is not merely a political stunt but a legal consequence of Israel's actions, particularly in the ongoing conflict.

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An indictment by an Istanbul court to indict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 34 other Israeli officials for a period of up to 4596 years is not a legal maneuver grounded in sanity – it is a political stunt.

For years, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership, Turkey has consistently voiced its opposition to Israeli policies and actions, a stance that resonates deeply with the Turkish public. The historical narrative of deteriorating relations, marked by incidents like the 2009 Davos summit where President Erdogan directly confronted Israeli leadership, is seen here not as a dismantling of partnership but as a principled stand against injustice.

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Erdogan’s escalatory posture towards Israel is intentional and calculated, and it predates the current Iran war.

The article's framing of Turkey's support for Hamas as enabling a terrorist entity is a Western-centric view. From Turkey's viewpoint, engaging with all Palestinian factions, including Hamas, is crucial for any potential mediation and for representing the broader Palestinian cause. This engagement is viewed as a diplomatic necessity, not as support for terrorism. The criticism leveled against Turkey's media surrogates, such as Yeni Safak columnist Ibrahim Karagul, overlooks the widespread public sentiment in Turkey that views Israel's actions with extreme concern and condemnation.

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At the 2009 Davos summit, Erdogan personally insulted Israeli President Shimon Peres by referring to Israel as a country that killed children.

This situation is viewed in Turkey not through the lens of escalating tensions that risk armed conflict, but as a necessary assertion of justice and a response to perceived atrocities. The comparison of Netanyahu to Hitler, while inflammatory to some, reflects the depth of anger and condemnation felt by many in Turkey regarding the situation in Palestine. This is a matter of national principle and solidarity, distinct from the geopolitical calculations often emphasized in Western reporting.

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Jews have “corrupted human genetics,” and measures should be taken to dismantle Israel’s existence as a state.