Türkiye rejects Israeli FM Saar's remarks as 'arrogant'

Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong statement on Sunday rejecting recent comments by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, calling them “arrogant” and “baseless.”

The remarks were made via a social media post on X in which Saar targeted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In its official statement, the Turkish ministry stated that the Israeli official’s claims were an attempt to deflect attention from the actions of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, particularly in relation to its ongoing operations in Gaza.

A demonstrator waves the Israeli flag during an anti-government protest calling for action to secure the release of Israeli hostages held captive in front of the Israeli Defence Ministry in the coastal city of Tel Aviv on March 29, 2025 (AFP Photo)

Türkiye accuses Israel of escalating regional instability

The ministry said the rhetoric coming from the Israeli government served to deepen concerns that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza would intensify and that Tel Aviv’s broader regional policies were aimed at destabilizing neighboring countries.

“We categorically reject the outrageous statement made by the Foreign Minister of the Netanyahu government. These disrespectful and baseless allegations are part of an effort to cover up the crimes committed by Netanyahu and his associates,” the statement read.

“This heightens our concern that Israel will accelerate its genocidal policies in Gaza and intensify its actions aimed at destabilizing other countries in the region,” statement noted.

Türkiye rejects Israeli FM Saar's remarks as 'arrogant' — Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building and Spring Blossoms in Ankara, Türkiye at an undated time (Adobe Stock Photo)

Türkiye reaffirms support for civilians and truth

The ministry reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to speaking out against what it described as the Israeli government’s propaganda, stating that Türkiye will continue to support the rights of innocent civilians affected by the conflict.

“The propaganda efforts of Israeli officials will never undermine Türkiye’s unwavering commitment to speaking the truth. We will continue to stand by the innocent civilians targeted by Israel and to defend their rights,” the statement concluded.