President Erdogan calls Israel ‘Zionist terrorist organization’

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and Lebanon on Wednesday. During a speech at the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Parliamentary group meeting, he labeled Tel Aviv a “Zionist terrorist organization.”

Erdogan cautioned that Israel’s pursuit of a “promised land delusion” would lead to disappointment and failure.

“The outcome of this delusion will be great disappointment and defeat,” he added, commenting on Israel’s long-term regional ambitions.

Call for regional dialogue

Amid the escalating conflict, Erdogan also emphasized the importance of increased regional dialogue and reconciliation.

“Considering the atmosphere in our region, we believe we need to talk more, we need reconciliation,” the president said, underscoring the need for diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East.

Condemnation of Israel’s actions

Erdogan criticized Israel’s recent attacks in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, expressing solidarity with the victims.

“History will never forgive those who applaud the monster responsible for the blood of tens of thousands of Palestinian children, women, and civilians,” Erdogan said, condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions.

The president reiterated that the idea of “promised land” would lead Israel to failure, urging regional and global actors to take notice of the escalating conflict.

Reforms in justice and security

Erdogan outlined a series of internal reforms aimed at closing legal loopholes and ensuring that criminals face proportionate punishment. He acknowledged the public’s concerns over recent incidents of violence and promised to introduce measures that would strengthen Türkiye’s security and justice systems.

“We will do whatever is necessary to ensure that our citizens can live without fear, whether at home, on the streets, or at work,” Erdogan stated. The proposed reforms include increasing the detention of repeat offenders and amending sentencing guidelines to ensure that justice is served for serious crimes.

Commitment to dialogue and national unity

Addressing political tensions in Türkiye, Erdogan called for broader dialogue and cooperation, stressing the need for unity within the country.

“We believe that we need to talk more, we need reconciliation, and we need to expand the ground for dialogue,” he said. He also praised Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli for his contributions to Turkish democracy.

Erdogan emphasized the importance of resolving national issues through consensus and expressed hope that all political parties in the Turkish Parliament would adopt a cooperative approach.

Zero tolerance for violence against women and children

The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting women and children from violence, stating that Türkiye’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention has had no negative impact on women’s rights or the fight against gender-based violence.

Erdogan declared that the government would continue to uphold a “zero tolerance” policy toward violence against women and children.