Key facts
- Israeli lawmaker Ariel Kellner stated Turkey is an "enemy state."
- Kellner described Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a "dictator" and a "dangerous person."
- Erdogan had previously criticized Israel's actions in Syria and Lebanon, calling them a threat to global security.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to Erdogan as an "antisemitic dictator."
- Turkey severed trade ties with Israel in May 2024 and joined South Africa's genocide case at the ICJ.
Israeli lawmaker Ariel Kellner has declared Turkey an "enemy state" amid escalating tensions between the two countries. Kellner, a member of the Knesset from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, stated in an interview that Turkey is an “enemy state for all intents and purposes” and that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is “a dictator who seeks to restore the Islamic caliphate.”
Kellner added that Erdogan “hates Israel to the core” and that Israel and Western states should “view him as a threat.” The comments followed remarks by Erdogan on Tuesday, who stated that Israel’s attacks on Syria and Lebanon had reached a point where they pose a threat to Turkey and that Israeli “aggression” threatens global security. Erdogan asserted, “Israel must be stopped, this is the duty of humanity.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu responded to Erdogan’s comments by calling him an “antisemitic dictator.” When asked about Erdogan’s remarks, US President Donald Trump told reporters that Erdogan is “a very good friend of mine” and that they have “worked very well together.”
Turkey has been one of the most outspoken critics of Israel’s assaults on Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon. Relations between the two countries significantly deteriorated when Ankara severed trade ties with Israel in May 2024 and joined South Africa’s genocide case at the International Court of Justice. Despite the embargo, Turkish exports to Israel continued via third countries, totaling $924 million in 2025, and Azerbaijani oil still flows to Israel through Turkish ports.
Tensions have intensified in recent weeks with leaders exchanging accusations amid a geopolitical rift over the war in Gaza and competing influence in Syria. In late May, Israeli minister of culture and sports Miki Zohar also urged that Turkey should be treated as an “enemy state,” warning it could become Israel’s next major adversary and would pay a heavy price if it chose a path of war.