Erdogan: "Israel is the World’s Most Zionist, Fascist and Racist State”

The bilateral relations between Turkey and Israel are not going to improve with Erdogan and Netanyahu having exchanged violent remarks, adding fuel to the flames. Indeed, the diplomatic relations have been tense between both countries since Turkey broke off diplomatic relations with Israel in 2010. At that time, Israel troops killed pro-Palestinian Turkish activists during clashes.

Recep Tayyip Erdgan criticized the controversial law adopted by the Israeli parliament on July, 19, which defines Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people. This law is still a concern for its neighborhood but also for international institutions, which fear a legitimation of discrimination against Palestinians.

Erdogan did not mince its words in a speech to members of the AK party, and got into a war of words with Netanyahu by making a comparison between Israel and Nazi Germany.

For him, Israel is the the world’s most sionist, fascist and racist state. "There is no difference between Hitler's obsession with the Aryan race and Israel's understanding that these ancient lands are meant only for Jews,” he said.

Responding on Twitter, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Erdogan of "massacring Syrians and Kurds and imprisoning tens of thousands of his fellow citizens".

He added: "The fact that the 'great democrat' Erdogan attacks [Israel's] national law is the greatest compliment.".

By Antoine Dewaest

Photo: AFP/Archives / RONEN ZVULUN, OZAN KOSE