Turkish police pepper spray protesters in Istanbul
Police saw pepper spray protesters as people gathered to support Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, near the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipal Government in Istanbul, Turkey, March 23, 2025. (Credit: Reuters)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reportedly called for the destruction of Israel during the prayer of the Samirka Mosque in Istanbul on Sunday.
Jerusalem Post Erdogan reportedly said: “May Allah for his name ‘al-qahhar,’ destroying and destroying Zionist Israel’.” His call for annihilation of the Jewish state was fiercely condemned, especially Israeli officials.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said on X: “Didictator Erdogan revealed his anti-Semitic face.
According to his comments, Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs A statement was issued, partly reading: “We explicitly rejected the cruel statement of the Foreign Minister of the Netanyahu government.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the participants at a rally to show their solidarity with Palestinians in Istanbul on Saturday, October 28. （AP/Emrah Gurel）
“These rude and unfounded allegations are part of covering up the crimes committed by Netanyahu and his colleagues,” added: “We will continue to support the innocent civilians targeted by Israel and defend their rights.”
In social media posts, Israel’s foreign ministry asked for clarification on whether Erdogan denied his anti-Semitism and emphasized the president’s problematic actions both domestically and internationally.
“What troubles the Turkish Foreign Ministry? It’s a way to clarify the words of the dictator: to make it clear that Erdogan is not anti-Semitism, he is not an obsessed with the Jewish state.”
The Post highlights the growing concern about Erdogan’s intentions for Israel.
Tensions between Türkiye and Israel Beyond Erdogan’s support for Hamas, although this remains a central issue. Hamas carried out a brutal massacre of more than 1,200 Israelis on October 7, 2023, and has long been supported by Türkiye. Erdoğan refused to condemn Hamas, calling them legitimate political parties, angering much of Israel and the international community.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, right, Israeli President Isaac Herzog in March 2022.
The diplomatic relations between Türkiye and the United States have also been under scrutiny. Although Turkey’s domestic actions, such as combating political opponents, including the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoglu, have sparked unprecedented protests, U.S. officials are trying to stabilize relations. On March 26, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss Turkey’s potential support for the Russian-Ukrainian ceasefire and other geopolitical issues, despite recent unrest.
“Turkish strongman Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces the worst domestic political crisis of his career. Now, the streets are flooded with protesters who are angry at the arrest of opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu, restrictions on the internet, restrictions on other authoritarians, actions of other authoritarians,” Jonathan Schanzer, “Jonathan Schanzer for Defact of Decortion of Decortion for Foc Digitalies for Foc Digital, Jonathan Schanzer”.
Trump uniquely whispers Erdogan’s ears in Turkey’s ambitions: Greek Defense Minister
People are protesting the slogan of the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in Istanbul on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
“For prejudice, Erdogan made exaggerated remarks about Israel. This is a staunch financial and political support for Hamas since the outbreak of the war on October 7, not to mention Erdogan’s support for the al-Qaeda government in Syria, which also poses a threat to Israel.”
Tensions between Türkiye and Israel are not limited to Hamas’ support. Erdoğan’s actions in Syria, Türkiye supports the arrangement of Assad regime and support for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which controls parts of the country Tensions with Israel, The role of Ankara in promoting instability in Israel’s borders has attracted attention.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the center meets with Palestinian authorities President Mahmoud Abbas, left and former Hamas terror director Ismail Haniyeh held on July 26, 2023 at the Ankara Presidential Building in Turkiye. (Mustafa Kamaci/Anadolu agent via Getty Images)
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Ahead of Erdoğan’s recent threat to Israel, Trump administration officials said they could limit defense contracts with Turkey, including potential Restore Türkiye’s F-35 Plan to participate. This is after a March 21 call between Trump and President Erdogan, which could pave the way for policy changes that could allow the sale of F-35 to Ankara.
As a NATO member, Türkiye plays a key role in the alliance’s security framework.
