Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fiercely criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after the latter condemned Israel's military strikes and aggression in Lebanon and Syria. In a sharp rebuttal, the Israeli premier labeled the Turkish president an "antisemitic dictator."

Earlier on Wednesday (June 10), the Turkish President stated that Israeli attacks in Syria and Lebanon have escalated to a point where they now pose a direct threat to Turkey. He added that Israel's "aggression" threatens the entire world and must be halted immediately.

Hours after Erdogan’s remarks, Netanyahu issued a stern response. In a statement released in Hebrew, the Israeli Prime Minister said, "Erdogan, an antisemitic dictator who is committing genocide against the Kurds, supporting Hamas, oppressing his own citizens, and imprisoning political opponents, is the last person who can lecture Israel on morality."

He further asserted, "Israel and the IDF—the most moral army in the world—will continue to act decisively against Iran and its proxies, who pose a threat to the Middle East and the entire world."

For years, various human rights organizations and Western nations have accused Turkey of suppressing political dissidents. Ankara's military campaigns against Kurdish groups have also drawn international criticism. However, Ankara has consistently denied these allegations, particularly the accusations of genocide.

Israel has previously accused Erdogan of harboring and supporting Hamas, with Tel Aviv claiming that several top leaders of the group reside in Turkey.

In the past, Erdogan has described Hamas members as "freedom fighters" and compared Israel to Nazi Germany while likening Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler.
Source: The Times of Israel