Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office launched a blistering attack on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday, after Ankara moved to seek an international arrest warrant against the Israeli leader.
The latest exchange marks another sharp escalation in already deeply strained relations between Israel and Turkey, against the backdrop of the war in Gaza, tensions over Syria and Ankara’s increasingly confrontational stance toward the Israeli government.
Turkey’s Justice Ministry said it had asked the Interior Ministry to seek Interpol Red Notices for Netanyahu and another Israeli national, following arrest warrants issued by a Turkish court in July.
Netanyahu’s Office Launches Scathing Attack on Erdogan
Netanyahu’s office responded with unusually harsh language, calling Erdogan an “antisemitic dictator” and accusing him of supporting Hamas, repressing political opponents and journalists, and pursuing aggressive policies in the region.
The Israeli statement also made explicit reference to Cyprus, accusing Erdogan of occupying part of the island.
Netanyahu’s office dismissed the Turkish legal move as an attempt to intimidate Israel’s political and military leadership and said it would have no effect on Israeli policy.
Israel, it added, would continue acting against what it described as Turkish attempts to destabilize the region and against threats to Israeli security.
Turkey Seeks Interpol Red Notices
The latest Turkish move stems from an investigation into Israel’s interception in May of vessels attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza.
Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said Ankara had requested Red Notices for Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch, based on arrest warrants issued on July 14.
The Turkish proceedings include allegations of genocide, crimes against humanity, torture, unlawful detention and hijacking. Israel rejects allegations that it has committed genocide in Gaza.
Tensions Also Rising Over Syria
The confrontation is not limited to Gaza.
Relations have become increasingly tense over Syria, where Israel is concerned about the possibility of a growing Turkish military presence.
Netanyahu’s office accused Erdogan of seeking to extend Turkish pressure against Israel into Syria and warned that Israel would not tolerate developments it regards as a threat to its security.
The exchange followed an Israeli strike on a Syrian airbase amid Israeli concerns about the potential deployment of Turkish forces there.
Israeli-Turkish Relations at a New Low
Turkey and Israel once maintained close diplomatic, military and commercial ties, but relations have deteriorated dramatically since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.
Erdogan has emerged as one of Netanyahu’s most vocal international critics, while Israel has repeatedly accused the Turkish government of providing political support and sanctuary to Hamas figures.
Friday’s confrontation adds another layer to that dispute, with the two governments now clashing not only over Gaza but also over Syria, regional security and international legal action.
For the moment, neither side is showing any sign of lowering the temperature.
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