ANKARA: Turkey’s Foreign Ministry issued a sharp rebuke on Saturday against recent remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing his statements as “baseless and provocative” while leveling extraordinary personal attacks against the Israeli leader.
In a blistering statement, the ministry referred to Netanyahu as “the Hitler of our time” citing what it called “the crimes he has committed” and his “clear track record” of actions in office.
The Turkish response comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Ankara and Jerusalem. The Foreign Ministry specifically accused Netanyahu of attempting to undermine ongoing peace negotiations while pursuing expansionist policies in the region.
“Netanyahu’s current objective is to undermine ongoing peace negotiations and continue his expansionist policies in the region,” the ministry stated. “Failing this, he risks being tried in his own country and is likely to be sentenced to imprisonment.”
The Turkish government further noted that the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Israel is facing proceedings before the International Court of Justice on charges of genocide stemming from its military operations in Gaza.
Turkish officials defended President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan against recent criticism from Israeli officials, calling the allegations “baseless, brazen, and false.” The ministry suggested the criticism was prompted by discomfort over Turkey’s outspoken position on the conflict.
“Türkiye will continue to stand by innocent civilians and will further its efforts to ensure that Netanyahu is held accountable for the crimes he has committed,” the statement concluded.
Netanyahu has previously dismissed similar comparisons made by Erdoğan as “a lie of historic proportions.” Israel has also rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction and denied the genocide allegations before the ICJ
as unfounded.
