Israeli FM calls for Türkiye’s NATO expulsion after Erdogan’s criticism of Israel
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends the 75th NATO anniversary summit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, July 10, 2024 (AA Photo)
On Sunday, during a meeting of the ruling AK Party’s Rize Provincial Organization, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Israel for the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza since October 7. He stated, “Just as we entered Karabakh and Libya, we can do the same to them.” This statement raised significant concern in Israel.
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz compared Erdogan to Saddam Hussein, saying, “Erdogan is following in Saddam Hussein’s footsteps and threatening Israel. I would like to remind you of Saddam’s fate.”
Remove Türkiye from NATO
Katz further escalated the situation by instructing Israeli diplomats to urgently contact all NATO members to call for Türkiye’s condemnation and potential removal from the alliance.
“In light of Turkish President Erdogan’s threats to invade Israel and his dangerous rhetoric, Foreign Minister Israel Katz instructed diplomats to urgently contact all NATO members demanding Türkiye’s condemnation and expulsion from the regional alliance,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement
He accused Türkiye of aligning with Iran’s “axis of evil” and urged the U.S. and the Western world to condemn Erdogan and take measures to restrain his actions.
Türkiye NATO member for 72 years
Türkiye, a NATO member since 1952, has played a crucial role in the alliance, particularly on the southeastern flank, and has been recognized for its significant contributions to counterterrorism and support for Ukraine.
