Français
Español
English
Portuguese
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry escalated its rhetoric, calling Netanyahu “the Hitler of our time.”
By United with Israel Staff
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan escalated tensions Sunday morning with a series of sharp threats against Israel, warning that Ankara could take direct action.
“Like we entered Libya and Karabakh, we can enter Israel. There is no reason not to do it,” Erdogan said, adding that if not for U.S.-Iran negotiations mediated by Pakistan, “we would have shown Israel its place.”
He also accused Israel of killing “hundreds of innocent Lebanese” on the day of the ceasefire and claimed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “blinded by blood and hatred.”
The remarks came a day after Turkish prosecutors in Istanbul announced Saturday that indictments had been filed against 35 senior Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, over alleged abuses tied to a Gaza-bound flotilla incident last October.
Prosecutors are seeking life imprisonment for Netanyahu, along with additional sentences ranging from 1,102 years to 4,596 years.
Those named reportedly include Defense Minister Israel Katz, Defense Ministry Director General and former IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Minister Amichai Eliyahu.
Netanyahu responded Saturday night in a post on X, writing: “Israel under my leadership will continue to fight Iran’s terror regime and its proxies, unlike Erdogan, who accommodates them and massacred his own Kurdish citizens.”
Defense Minister Katz also fired back, calling Erdogan a “paper tiger” who failed to respond to Iranian missile fire on Turkish territory and was now “resorting to antisemitism” while staging what he described as “show trials” against Israel’s leadership.
Late Saturday night, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry issued a formal statement further escalating the rhetoric, comparing Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler and claiming he has “a clear track record” of crimes.
Regarding the Social Media Post by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu https://t.co/CMg9hJzc1h pic.twitter.com/LOLDqOZpH3
— Turkish MFA (@MFATurkiye) April 11, 2026
The statement asserted that Israel is facing international legal proceedings and accused Netanyahu of attempting to undermine peace efforts while pursuing “expansionist policies.”
It also alleged that Israeli criticism of Erdogan was based on “baseless, brazen, and false allegations,” and vowed that Turkey would continue efforts to ensure Netanyahu is “held accountable.”
The exchange marks a sharp deterioration in relations between the two countries, with Ankara combining legal action and increasingly aggressive rhetoric.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
