Erdogan Echoes Hamas: Calls for Israel's Destruction Amid Diplomatic Turmoil

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has stirred global outrage after reportedly calling for the destruction of Israel during Eid al-Fitr prayers at Istanbul’s Çamlıca Mosque. According to reports from The Jerusalem Post, Erdoğan invoked the name "Al-Qahhar," asking for divine intervention to "destroy and devastate Zionist Israel." The comments have sparked fierce condemnation from Israeli officials, who see this as an escalation in Erdoğan's longstanding anti-Israel stance.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar didn’t mince words, labeling Erdoğan a "dictator" and accusing him of antisemitism. Sa’ar also warned NATO allies about the Turkish president's destabilizing influence, both regionally and domestically. His remarks touched on the ongoing protests in Turkey, where Erdoğan's government faces mounting opposition and unrest.

Turkey’s foreign ministry swiftly fired back, rejecting Sa’ar’s statements as "disrespectful and baseless." In their response, they accused Israel of attempting to "cover up crimes" while vowing continued support for Palestinians. The exchange underscores the fraught relationship between Israel and Turkey, which has been turbulent for years but seems to be hitting new lows.

Social media posts from Israel’s foreign ministry demanded clarification on Erdoğan’s views, sarcastically questioning whether he denies being an antisemite or an "obsessive hater" of the Jewish state. The post reflects growing concern over Erdoğan’s rhetoric and actions, which critics argue exacerbate regional tensions.

Erdoğan’s backing of Hamas, classified as a terrorist organization by many nations, remains a sticking point. The group’s October 7, 2023, massacre of over 1,200 Israelis has only sharpened the spotlight on Turkey’s support. Erdoğan’s refusal to denounce Hamas, instead referring to them as a legitimate political party, has further isolated him from international allies.

Domestically, Erdoğan is grappling with a political crisis of his own making. Protests have erupted following the arrest of opposition leader Ekrem İmamoglu and other authoritarian moves, such as internet restrictions. Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies remarked, "To deflect, Erdogan has engaged in blistering rhetoric against Israel." Schanzer also highlighted Erdoğan’s support for groups in Syria, like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which have destabilized the region further.

Meanwhile, the United States is navigating its own complex relationship with Turkey. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss geopolitical issues, including Turkey’s potential role in a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire. Yet, the backdrop of Erdoğan’s domestic and international controversies complicates any efforts at reconciliation.

In an unexpected twist, former U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly been in discussions with Erdoğan, potentially paving the way for policy shifts. The two leaders spoke on March 21, raising speculation about the reinstatement of Turkey’s F-35 fighter jet program participation, a move that had been suspended due to Turkey’s purchase of Russian missile systems. As a NATO member, Turkey’s strategic importance cannot be understated, but its current trajectory under Erdoğan is leaving allies deeply uneasy.

Erdoğan’s latest inflammatory comments about Israel are unlikely to ease these tensions. Instead, they serve as a reminder of the growing rift between Turkey and the broader international community, raising questions about how long this precarious balancing act can last.