"Hitler" Comments Deepen NATO Ally Turkey's Feud With Israel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan compared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler in comments on Israel's attacks on Iran, drawing a strong response and deepening the feud between the Turkish leader and Israel.
Why It Matters
The new friction over Israel's attacks on Iran highlights an escalating rivalry between the two U.S. allies and key Middle East powers that has also surfaced over the wars in Gaza and Syria.
U.S. President Donald Trump is on good terms with both the Turkish and Israeli leaders, but Turkey is a potential adversary to Israel, already engaged in a regional arms race, expanding its domestic military production—especially in drones, missiles, and air defense—and signaling its own nuclear ambitions.
People wave Palestinian, Turkish and Iranian flags during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, June 15, 2025.
People wave Palestinian, Turkish and Iranian flags during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, June 15, 2025.
Emrah Gurel/AP Photo
What To Know
"Netanyahu has long surpassed the tyrant Hitler in the crime of genocide. We hope their fate will not be the same. Hopefully, sooner or later he will appear before an international independent court," the Turkish leader said in a recent speech and on his account on X, formerly Twitter.
After Israel launched an attack on Iran's nuclear program and military establishment, Erdoğan denounced Israel for "inhumane aggression" across the Middle East, telling the Emir of Qatar in a Tuesday phone call that Netanyahu has once again proven to be "the biggest threat to the region's security," according to Hurriyet Daily News.
Responding, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said: "The Sultan in his own eyes, in yet another inflammatory speech, continues to incite against Israel and against the Israeli Prime Minister. Erdogan, who has set a record in suppressing the freedoms and rights of his citizens, as well as his country's opposition, dares to preach to others.
Comparisons to Hitler are strongly offensive in Israel because of the Holocaust of about six million Jews.
Israel and Turkey have a complex and often tense relationship marked by periods of cooperation and sharp disagreements. While both countries have strong economic and security ties, political differences have led to frequent diplomatic rifts.
On Thursday, Israel launched a fresh wave of strikes against Iran after Iran attacked Israel with a barrage of missiles, with the civilian death toll increasing on both sides. The United States is also considering whether to strike Iran.
Nearly a week into the conflict, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as "the modern Hitler" and declaring that he "cannot continue to exist."
What People Are Saying
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar: "The Sultan in his own eyes, in yet another inflammatory speech, continues to incite against Israel and against the Israeli Prime Minister. Erdogan, who has set a record in suppressing the freedoms and rights of his citizens, as well as his country's opposition, dares to preach to others. It is particularly ironic that someone who does not hide his imperialist ambitions, someone who invaded northern Syria and illegally holds northern Cyprus, claims to speak in the name of morality and international law. A little self-awareness could be helpful."
Turkey's Foreign Ministry: "The fact that Israeli officials feel compelled to fixate on our President's statements only reaffirms the accuracy of the points raised therein. The responsibility for Netanyahu's name being mentioned alongside perpetrators of historic atrocities lies solely with himself, as he currently stands accused of crimes of genocide before international courts."
What Happens Next
The fallout of the worsening relationship between Turkey and Israel threatens to undermine U.S. interests in the region and increases the risk of further conflicts.
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