Netanyahu says he takes Erdogan's anti-Israel remarks 'very seriously'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Sunday that he "very seriously" considers the anti-Israel statements made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Speaking during a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu asserted that if a nation states its intention to destroy Israel, such threats must be taken seriously, drawing from historical lessons. He indicated that Israel would bring these concerns to the attention of its "American friends" and would not ignore them. This exchange escalates the ongoing hostility between Israel and Turkey, which has seen frequent accusations exchanged between officials regarding the Gaza conflict and, from Israel's side, Turkey's democratic shortcomings and treatment of Kurds. Adding another layer to the diplomatic friction, the Israeli government approved recognition of the Armenian genocide, a historical event where an estimated 1.5 million Armenians died under the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1923. While Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denied the move was a reprisal against Turkey, local press widely interpreted it as an act of reproach.

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If there is anything we have learned from the history of our people, it is that when someone says they intend to destroy you, you must take it seriously.