Israel PM Netanyahu calls Erdogan 'antisemitic dictator' amid escalating row

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, labeling him an "antisemitic dictator." This strong condemnation comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations.

Netanyahu's office vowed that Israel would "continue to act forcefully against Türkiye's attempts to destabilise the region." The statement was a direct response to Turkey's recent announcement that it had sought an international arrest warrant for Netanyahu. Ankara accuses the Israeli leader of "genocide" in connection with Israel's interception of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza.

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Erdogan is an antisemitic dictator who massacred Kurds, supports the massacre of the Hamas terrorist organisation, and oppresses his own people.

The verbal sparring also touches upon recent events in Syria. Syria had accused Israel of bombing an air base near its northern border, close to the Turkish frontier. While Netanyahu tacitly acknowledged the strike, his office also claimed that a Turkish military delegation had visited the site, suggesting efforts to reactivate it. However, Turkey has denied any such military presence or visit.

Netanyahu's office further accused Erdogan of seeking "to extend his aggression against Israel into Syria" and stated unequivocally, "Israel will not tolerate it." The statement also alleged that Erdogan "massacred Kurds, supports the massacre of the Hamas terrorist organisation, and oppresses his own people," highlighting the deep animosity and mistrust between the two leaders and their countries.

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Israel will not tolerate it.