Türkiye slams Israeli premier over his remarks targeting Erdoğan

ANKARA

Türkiye on Saturday criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his remarks targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, saying: "Everyone knows that he (Netanyahu) has no moral values and legitimacy to lecture anyone."

"Netanyahu who has orchestrated a genocide in Gaza and attacked seven countries in the region dares targeting our President out of desperation," said Türkiye's Communications Director Burhanettin Duran on U.S.-based social media platform X.

The Foreign Ministry also slammed Netanyahu, saying targeting the Turkish leader is a result of "the discomfort caused by the truths we have expressed on every platform."

Netanyahu, who is called the Adolf Hitler of this era due to his crimes, is known for his records, said the ministry in a statement.

Noting the arrest warrant that has been issued for Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity, the statement warned about Netanyahu's attempts, which aim to undermine the ongoing peace talks and continue his expansionist policies in the region.

The statement further reiterated Türkiye's determination in its efforts to hold Netanyahu accountable for his crimes, along with supporting innocent civilians.

Condemnation messages also poured in from members of the presidential Cabinet for the remarks.

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said that “the light of truth is the nightmare of the oppressors,” adding that Netanyahu’s remarks targeting Erdogan are a reflection of his discomfort with the exposure of the truth and a manifestation of a “sense of guilt,” and are “null and void.”

Justice Minister Akin Gürlek said Netanyahu’s remarks, coming from a person subject to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, “demonstrate the depth of the legal and moral impasse” he faces.

Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi said Netanyahu, whom he described as responsible for attacks on civilians in the Gaza Strip, made “baseless” accusations that reflect “desperation and political exhaustion.”