Turkish officials have strongly denounced recent comments made by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of turning Turkey into a "dictatorship." Katz's remarks, shared on social media, have sparked a heated response from Ankara.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized Katz's statements as "a complete form of illness." In a post on X, Fidan accused Katz of obsessively targeting Turkey and Erdoğan instead of focusing on his duties as a foreign minister. Fidan described Katz as an embodiment of the "insolence and shamelessness" of what he called the "genocidal Netanyahu government."

Fidan asserted that Turkey would not tolerate attempts to undermine Erdoğan’s dedication and contributions to the country. He reaffirmed his support for Erdoğan amidst the ongoing tensions.

The controversy comes in the wake of strained relations between Turkey and Israel, which have worsened since the recent Gaza conflict. Turkey has severed commercial ties with Israel and Erdoğan has repeatedly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for international action against Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz also weighed in, condemning Katz’s comments and asserting that those responsible for violence against Palestinians should not mention Turkey or Erdoğan. Yilmaz expressed hope for a future where Palestine is free and Netanyahu is held accountable.

Türkiye's Communications Director Fahrettin Altun also criticized Katz, vowing increased support for Erdoğan. Altun condemned Katz as a "bloody genocidal murderer" and vowed that Katz and Israel’s actions would eventually face justice.

Furthermore, Akif Cağatay Kılıç, Erdoğan’s foreign policy advisor, labeled Katz as the "dirty face of a murderous government." He criticized Katz’s audacity to mention Erdoğan’s name and predicted that Israel’s actions would lead to its own downfall.

The exchange underscores the deepening rift between Turkey and Israel, with both sides intensifying their rhetoric.

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