Netanyahu blasts Turkey’s ‘antisemitic dictator’ that Trump says ‘he loves’

Trump described Erdogan as a close ally and praised the relationship between the two leaders.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan exchanged sharp words on Wednesday after Erdogan asserted that Israeli military actions in neighboring countries had reached a point where they “also threaten Turkey” and criticized what he described as Israeli plans in the Mediterranean.

Speaking on Wednesday, Erdogan said Israel’s operations in the region posed a growing concern for Turkey and cautioned against further moves in the Mediterranean.

“We see malicious initiatives led by Israel in the Mediterranean as well, and nobody should pursue adventures there,” Erdogan said.

Netanyahu responded with a strongly worded statement, accusing Erdogan of supporting Hamas and repressing domestic opposition.

“The antisemitic dictator Erdogan, who supports the Hamas terrorist organization, oppresses his own people and imprisons political rivals, is the last person who can preach morality to the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu also accused the Turkish leader of carrying out “genocide against the Kurds.”

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry subsequently issued its own statement rejecting Netanyahu’s remarks.

The ministry accused the Israeli prime minister of spreading false information and said Turkish authorities would continue efforts to hold Israeli leaders accountable in international courts.

The exchange came as U.S. President Donald Trump sought to downplay the prospect of tensions between Israel and Turkey escalating into a direct confrontation.

Speaking to reporters during an Oval Office appearance following a signing ceremony on domestic security, Trump described Erdogan as a close ally and praised the relationship between the two leaders.

“He is a very good friend of mine, and we have worked together very well. I love him. He is a great leader and a very strong person,” Trump said.

Asked by an Israeli journalist whether a conflict could emerge between Israel and Turkey, Trump dismissed the possibility and said he would personally intervene if necessary.

“I have not heard of anything like that. If I did, I would call him and make sure everything was fine. I don’t think anything like that will happen with Turkey,” he said.

“He respects me, and I respect him. Beyond that, we have a good friendship.”

According to the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies, diplomatic and economic relations between Israel and Turkey have deteriorated sharply since October 7, 2023, with bilateral trade suspended, diplomatic ties severed, and political rhetoric from Ankara becoming increasingly hostile.

In 2024, Erdogan floated the idea publicly of invading Israel to force an end to its war with Hamas.