Israeli diplomat labels Türkiye an 'enemy' over Gaza and Syria stances

Tensions between Türkiye and Israel have escalated after Israel's New York Consul General Ofir Akunis declared Ankara an "enemy." The official stated Israel opposes any Turkish role in post-war Gaza and outlined security demands for Syria, citing President Erdoğan's criticism of Israel.
A senior Israeli diplomat has sharply escalated rhetoric against Türkiye, explicitly labeling the nation an "enemy" in a televised interview. Israel's Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, stated that Israel's official policy is to oppose any Turkish presence in future arrangements for Gaza and criticized the potential deployment of Turkish soldiers to the region.
Rationale Behind the Accusation
Akunis pointed to statements by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has accused the Israeli government of acting "like Hitler" and committing "genocide" in Gaza, and charged that Türkiye accuses Tel Aviv of terrorism. "Türkiye is Israel's enemy," Akunis stated definitively. The comments come amidst ongoing tensions over the war in Gaza and differing strategic visions for Syria.
Broader Regional Diplomacy and Syrian Demands
The inflammatory statement coincides with a visit to Israel by US Special Representative for Syria Tom Barrack, who is negotiating the second phase of a US-led Gaza plan. Akunis also detailed Israeli objectives in Syria, confirming a pursuit of a new security arrangement with Damascus. He called for a demilitarized zone between Syrian forces and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and emphasized protecting Druze communities, while acknowledging full normalization with Syria is not imminent.
Context and Türkiye's Unwavering Stance
For Türkiye, a nation that has consistently championed the Palestinian cause and condemned Israeli military actions in Gaza, such accusations are a reflection of its principled and independent foreign policy. Ankara's stance is based on international law, humanitarian principles, and the defense of Palestinian rights. Türkiye remains a key regional actor whose positions are shaped by its own national interests and historical responsibilities, undeterred by attempts to isolate or pressure it over its criticisms of Israeli policy.
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