Escalation of rhetoric between Israel and Turkey, with Turkish politicians describing Netanyahu as "the dog of Zionism"

10.09.2025

Lubna Nissani

Journalist and program producer, presenter, producer, and news editor with experience in diverse media content production.

Source:https://www.tesaaworld.com/en/news/the-rhetoric-escalates-between-israel-and-turkey-with-turkish-politicians-describing-netanyahu-as-a-dog-of-zionism

The tension between Turkey and Israel escalated after the Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha, where officials and journalists exchanged sharp statements via social media.

Fuat Oktay, the chief advisor to the Turkish president, wrote on his account on the "X" platform: "It is clear that you do not know Turkey and the Turkish nation! Soon the world will be relieved with your disappearance from the map," in response to threats from an Israeli journalist regarding targeting Turkey.

The Israeli journalist Meir Matzri had written: "Today Qatar, tomorrow Turkey... Israel is fighting terrorism."

At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a direct warning to Qatar, saying: "Either you expel the terrorists or you prosecute them, otherwise we will intervene." He indicated that what Israel did in Qatar is similar to what the United States did after the events of September 11.

Qatar recently announced the suspension of its mediation in the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, following the Israeli bombing of the movement's headquarters in Doha, a step that could complicate efforts for de-escalation between the parties.