Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that Zionism — which he called a genocidal, occupying, and expansionist ideology — threatens not only his party or alliance but everyone, and that the struggle against it is a fight for the survival of Turkey and its people. The latest remarks continue a months-long escalation in Erdogan's anti-Israel rhetoric.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan escalated his rhetorical campaign against Israel again Saturday night, declaring that Zionism is a global threat that must be fought.
"The genocidal, occupying, expansionist ideology called Zionism threatens not only me, not only our party, not only our alliance—it threatens everyone," Erdogan said.
He added that the struggle against Zionism is not waged for personal reasons or self-interest, but for the survival of Turkey and its people. The remarks echo classic antisemitic tropes that frame Zionism as a sinister global force.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Saturday, Erdogan earlier that day had said the fight against Zionism is intended to ensure Turkey's survival. Saturday's evening remarks amplify that message with harsher wording and a broader framing of the supposed threat. The new address did not mention Israel, the IDF, or any specific policy by name, but instead characterized Zionism as an ideology of genocide, conquest, and expansion.
The statements are the latest in a months-long series of escalating anti-Israel and antisemitic remarks by the Turkish leader. Over the past month, Erdogan has accused Israel of operating a "Zionist massacre network" extending into Lebanon, warned those who follow "Hitler's path" that they will meet the same fate as past tyrants, and vowed that Turkey will never allow what he called the "illusion of a complete Israel." He has also said Turkey will see that Israel is held responsible for conflicts in the region and is committed to working for regional peace despite Israeli actions.
2 developments
- StrongErdogan warns against 'Zionist slaughter network', vows tough response to any threat
- StrongErdogan says Israeli operations threaten Turkey; warns of military confrontation
- DevelopingErdogan warns those who follow Hitler's path will meet same fate as past tyrants
- DevelopingErdogan says Turkey will never allow the 'illusion of a complete Israel'
Source and signal
- Internal intake