Turkey brands Netanyahu 'Hitler of our time' as Erdogan threatens to invade Israel

Turkey brands Netanyahu 'Hitler of our time' as Erdogan threatens to invade Israel

Olivia Beeson

Turkey's president has strongly criticised Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating he is “blinded by blood and hate,” as one of his ministers dubbed him a "Hitler of our time".

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also threatened to invade Israel due to its onslaught of Lebanon.

In a speech following the indictments against 35 top Israeli officials Mr Erdoğa said: “Had Pakistan not been mediating in the war between the US and Iran, we would have shown Israel its place. Just as we entered Libya and Karabakh, we can enter Israel.

"There is no reason not to do it.”

The officials, including Netanyahu, were charged with crimes against humanity which led to the Israeli prime minister saying Mr Erdoğan had “massacred his own Kurdish citizens” in a social media post.

Israeli defence minister, Israel Katz, who was also named in the Turkish indictments, described the Turkish premier as a “Muslim Brotherhood man”.

The latest tension between the countries comes as Mr Erdoğan warned Donald Trump of possible “provocations and sabotage” following the US-Iran ceasefire.

Both are reportedly fighting to become a pivotal regional power in the Middle East.

After the disagreements due to the indictments, the Turkish foreign ministry described Mr Netanyahu as “Hitler of our time” in a formal statement.

The notice, published on the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, said: “An arrest warrant has been issued against Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Under Netanyahu’s administration, Israel is facing proceedings before the International Court of Justice on charges of genocide.”

The statement added that Mr Netanyahu’s objective was “to undermine ongoing peace negotiations [in Iran] and continue his expansionist policies in the region”.

“Failing this, he risks being tried in his own country and is likely to be sentenced to imprisonment."