Turkish police pepper spray protesters in Istanbul
Cops seen pepper spraying protesters as folks gathered in help of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu close to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality constructing, in Istanbul, Turkey, March 23, 2025. (Credit score: Reuters)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reportedly referred to as for the destruction of Israel throughout Eid al-Fitr prayers on the Çamlıca Mosque in Istanbul on Sunday.
The Jerusalem Post reported that Erdoğan stated “Might Allah, for the sake of his title ‘Al-Qahhar,’ destroy and devastate Zionist Israel.” His name for the annihilation of the Jewish state has drawn fierce condemnation, notably from Israeli officers.
In response to his remarks, Israeli International Minister Gideon Sa’ar said on X, “The dictator Erdogan revealed his antisemitic face,” including that “Erdogan is harmful to the area, in addition to to his personal folks, as has been confirmed in current days,” Sa’ar referred to the widespread protests in Turkey and added, “Let’s hope NATO members perceive how harmful he’s, and never earlier than it is too late.”
Following his feedback, Turkey’s foreign ministry issued an announcement that learn, partly, “We categorically reject the outrageous assertion made by the International Minister of the Netanyahu authorities.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan speaks to the attendees throughout a rally to indicate their solidarity with the Palestinians, in Istanbul on Saturday, Oct. 28. (AP/Emrah Gurel)
“These disrespectful and baseless allegations are a part of an effort to cowl up the crimes dedicated by Netanyahu and his associates,” including, “We are going to proceed to face by the harmless civilians focused by Israel and to defend their rights.”
In a social media submit, Israel’s international ministry demanded readability on whether or not Erdoğan denies his antisemitic views, emphasizing the president’s problematic actions each domestically and internationally.
“What bothered the Turkish International Ministry? Right here’s a technique to make clear the dictator’s phrases: Clearly state that Erdogan isn’t an antisemite, that he’s not an obsessive hater of the Jewish state.”
The submit underscores the rising concern over Erdoğan’s intentions towards Israel.
The tensions between Turkey and Israel transcend Erdoğan’s help for Hamas, though that continues to be a central problem. Hamas, which carried out the brutal bloodbath of greater than 1,200 Israelis on October 7, 2023, has lengthy had Turkish backing. Erdoğan’s refusal to denounce Hamas, describing them as a reliable political celebration, has angered Israel and far of the worldwide group.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, proper, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in March 2022.
The diplomatic relationship between Turkey and the U.S. has additionally been below scrutiny. Whereas Turkey’s home actions, like cracking down on political opponents, together with the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoglu, have sparked unprecedented protests, U.S. officers are trying to stabilize relations. On March 26, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Turkish International Minister Hakan Fidan, discussing Turkey’s potential help for a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire and different geopolitical points, regardless of current inside turmoil.
“Turkey’s strongman Recep Tayyip Erdogan is dealing with the worst home political disaster of his profession. The streets are flooded now with protesters who’re outraged over the arrest of opposition chief Ekrem Imamoglu, restrictions on the web, and different authoritarian maneuvers,” Jonathan Schanzer, govt director of the Basis for Protection of Democracies, informed Fox Information Digital.
Individuals chant slogans as they protest the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in Istanbul on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (AP Picture/Francisco Seco)
“To deflect, Erdogan has engaged in blistering rhetoric towards Israel. This comes amidst Erdoğan’s unflinching monetary and political help for Hamas for the reason that October 7 battle erupted, to not point out Erdoğan’s help for the al-Qaeda authorities in Syria, which additionally poses a menace to Israel,” Schanzer stated.
The tensions between Turkey and Israel are usually not restricted to Hamas help. Erdoğan’s actions in Syria, the place Turkey has backed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, who overthrew the Assad regime and gained management over elements of the nation, have additional strained relations with Israel, resulting in rising issues over Ankara’s function in fostering instability on Israel’s borders.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, middle, meets with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, left, and the previous Hamas terror chief Ismail Haniyeh on the Presidential Complicated in Ankara, Turkiye, on July 26, 2023. ( Mustafa Kamaci/Anadolu Company by way of Getty Pictures)
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Earlier than Erdoğan’s most up-to-date threats towards Israel, Trump administration officers had indicated that they could raise restrictions on protection contracts with Turkey, together with the potential reinstatement of Turkey’s F-35 program participation. This comes after a telephone name between Presidents Trump and Erdoğan on March 21, which can pave the best way for a change in coverage that might doubtlessly permit the sale of the F-35s to Ankara.
As a NATO member, Turkey performs a pivotal function within the alliance’s safety framework.
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