Statements by Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Israeli raids against Iran's targets and retaliation of Tehran have sparked a wave of global reactions.
Erdogan, who has consistently criticized Israel's politics for years, has gone even further this time, recognizing Iran's rocket attacks as a “right to self-defence against Israeli banditism” and comparing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler. These words fell at the time of the escalation of the conflict in the mediate East, which is already taking deadly toll on both sides, and tension threatens to turn into an open regional conflict.
Turkey's president spoke to the public after a series of Israeli raids conducted on Iran's military and atomic infrastructure. The operation, the details of which have not been disclosed, was confirmed by the Israeli side as ‘precise and necessary’ in order to halt the further improvement of the Iranian atomic programme. Iran responded almost immediately by carrying out a massed rocket fire for targets in Israel, claiming it was an act of self-defense against Israeli aggression. It was in this context that Erdogan spoke, expressing clear support for Iran and in harsh words condemning Netanjah's actions.
“Iran did not start this war, he was attacked and has all right to defend himself. What Israel did was a criminal act of state terrorism," Erdogan said.
Referring to the situation in Gaza, he added:
“Netanyahu has long exceeded what the planet considers to be the limits of humanity. His actions in Gaza outweigh Hitler’s atrocities. The planet cannot proceed to stay silent.”
This rhetoric, although not fresh in Erdogan's arsenal, this time gained an highly dramatic sound and was immediately condemned by the Israeli authorities as "an highly irresponsible and anti-Semitic".
A spokesperson for the Israeli MFA found Erdogan's words:
"The expression of deep hatred, historical ignorance and the effort to legitimize Iran's violent actions".
Prime Minister Netanyahu did not respond straight to Hitler's comparison, but his office issued a statement:
"Israel will proceed to defend itself against any threat, whether it comes from Tehran or Ankara".
Turkish-Israeli relations have long been strained. The culminating minute was the 2010 incidental erstwhile Israeli peculiar forces attacked the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, who attempted to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip. 9 Turkish activists were killed at the time, leading to a break in diplomatic relations. Although attempts were made in later years to normalize them, tensions returned in all escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The current events are so another inflammatory point, and Erdogan's statements may close the way for any agreement in the close future.
Turkey is not limited to words. In fresh weeks, Ankara has accelerated its armaments, including increased long-range rocket production and the expansion of defence infrastructure. The Turkish authorities have besides confirmed that their army remains on advanced alert:
"We are prepared for all script of developments in the region".
Although officially Turkey does not plan a direct military engagement in the Iranian-Israeli conflict, it does not exclude diplomatic, logistical or technological support for Tehran, if the situation so requires.
Erdogan's global consequence was mixed. Russia, whose relations with Turkey have warmed in fresh years, supported the Turkish assessment of Israeli actions. After Erdogan's telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin released a message:
"Both sides share deep concern about Israel's aggression and call for an immediate ceasefire".
Among geopolitical analysts there are opinions that Erdogan's message may be part of a broader strategy to strengthen Turkey's position as the leader of the Muslim world. Through clear support for Iran and the condemnation of Israel, Erdogan attempts to gain sympathy from arabian and Iranian societies, while marginalising the function of Saudi Arabia, the United arabian Emirates or Egypt, which in fresh years strengthened relations with Israel. Erdogan can besides number on expanding his interior popularity, presenting himself as a fearless defender of the Palestinian origin and opponent of Zionism.
However, there is no shortage of voices critical of the Turkish strategy. The opposition in Turkey accuses Erdogan of instrumental usage of the conflict to divert attention from the country's economical crisis and rising inflation. any commentators besides inform that besides open support for Iran can drag Ankara into a regional conflict with unpredictable consequences. Iran, although presently at the centre of attention as a victim of Israeli attacks, remains a state with opaque atomic intentions and controversial regional policy, including support for Hezbollah or Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria.
At the moment, there are no signals that either side wants to retreat from the path. Israel announces the continuation of operations aimed at Iranian military installations, Iran threatens with further retaliation, and Turkey strengthens its rhetoric and diplomatic position. Netanjahu's comparison to Hitler, although shocking, seems to be only part of a larger run to redefine divisions in the region and shift the centre of gravity from Tel Aviv to Tehran and Ankara.
As the situation in the mediate East becomes more and more complex, the global community faces the challenge of uncovering effective channels of dialogue. If they fail, the current escalation can turn into a full-scale crisis, involving not only Israel and Iran, but besides another regional players – and possibly global.
