Erdogan warns of intervention, Israel reminds him of Saddam Hussian's downfall

Erdogan issues threat to Israel (File)

President Tayyip Erdogan has hinted at a potential Turkish intervention in Israel, drawing parallels to Turkey's past actions in Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh. During a speech highlighting Turkey's defence industry, Erdogan, a staunch critic of Israel’s Gaza offensive, did not specify the nature of the intervention he was contemplating.

“We must be very strong so that Israel can’t do these ridiculous things to Palestine. Just as we entered Karabakh and Libya, we might do the same with them,” Erdogan told a meeting of his ruling AK Party in his hometown of Rize.

“There is no reason why we cannot do this ... We must be strong so that we can take these steps,” Erdogan added in the televised address.

My take: Erdogan made these remarks at a closed door meeting with locals in his hometown Rize. Gotta look tough to his core voters. https://t.co/PinjVexCTL

— Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) July 28, 2024

In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Katz condemned Erdogan, accusing him of emulating the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Katz wrote on X, “Erdogan is following in Saddam Hussein's footsteps and threatening to attack Israel. He should just remember what happened there and how it ended.” In 2003, under former President George Bush, the United States overthrew Saddam Hussein's regime.

ארדואן הולך בדרכו של סדאם חוסיין ומאיים לתקוף את ישראל. רק שיזכור מה קרה שם ואיך זה הסתיים.@RTErdogan pic.twitter.com/6GykLtLoh4

— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) July 28, 2024

Recently, Erdogan has warned that once Israel achieves its objectives in Gaza, it may target Ankara. He has also criticised Western and NATO allies for their support of Israel, accusing them of trying to spread war across the Middle East.

In 2020, Turkey deployed military personnel to support Libya’s UN-recognised Government of National Accord. Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, leading the Government of National Unity in Tripoli, is backed by Turkey. Although Turkey denies any direct role in Azerbaijan's military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh, it supports Azerbaijan through military training and modernisation.

(With input from Reuters)