Netanyahu office calls Erdogan ‘antisemitic dictator’ after Turkey seeks Interpol notice over Gaza flotilla case

Responding to Turkey’s move to seek an Interpol Red Notice, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has branded Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan an “antisemitic dictator,” while accusing Ankara of escalating tensions with Israel over the Gaza flotilla case.

Netanyahu’s office alleged that Erdogan had “massacred Kurds,” harboured Hamas members, occupied Northern Cyprus and was attempting to extend what it described as aggression against “Israel” into Syria. It also said efforts to intimidate “Israeli” leaders and military personnel would not succeed.

The statement came after Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said Ankara had asked the Interior Ministry to pursue Interpol Red Notices against Netanyahu and another “Israeli” suspect over the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters.

Turkish authorities said arrest warrants issued on July 14 accuse Netanyahu and the other suspect of genocide, crimes against humanity and torture. The broader case involves 35 defendants linked to the flotilla incident.

The dispute comes amid growing tensions between Turkey and the Israeli occupation over developments in Syria. On Thursday, Israeli War Minister Yisrael Katz accused Erdogan of involving Turkey in what he called “dangerous adventures in Syria” and warned that “Israel” would not permit threats to its security.

Netanyahu had also warned that Israel would oppose any Turkish military deployment in Syria that it viewed as a security threat.

Turkey’s Defence Ministry, meanwhile, rejected reports that a Turkish military delegation had been at Syria’s Abu al-Duhur air base before or during recent “Israeli” strikes there. Ankara reaffirmed its support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Turkish ministry also warned against allowing Israeli attacks on neighbouring countries to become normalised, calling on the international community to take stronger measures against actions it said were undermining regional peace and stability.

Ankara said it would continue supporting Syria in efforts to establish a stable and secure state, including strengthening its military capabilities and infrastructure.