Israel's Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, ignited controversy on Friday by labeling Turkey as "Hamas" in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The remark was accompanied by an image of the late Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, shaking hands with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The inflammatory statement comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Turkey, particularly regarding Ankara's support for Palestinian groups. Ben Gvir's comment suggests a growing frustration in Israel over what it perceives as Turkey's complicity in supporting Hamas activities.
Background on the relationship between Turkey and Hamas reveals a complex history. Turkey has openly backed Hamas, a designated terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S., and the EU, which has fueled diplomatic rifts between Ankara and Jerusalem. Recent developments have seen both countries engage in a series of diplomatic exchanges that have failed to ease tensions.
This latest statement by Ben Gvir may further strain relations, as it aligns with a broader Israeli narrative that seeks to isolate Hamas and its allies. As previously reported, the geopolitical landscape in the region remains volatile, and Israel's government is likely to respond with increased scrutiny of Turkey’s actions in the coming weeks.
