UK's Telegraph retracts false claim that Erdoğan threatened to 'invade Israel'

The Daily Telegraph, a UK-based newspaper, removed a false report claiming President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan threatened to "invade Israel" and issued an apology. The article, which alleged that Erdoğan said he had "no reason not to invade Israel," was retracted shortly after publication. Senior editor Paul Nuki said on X: "We have taken the story down. The quotes appear to be old or completely fabricated. I apologize."

Israeli media amplifies falsehood

Despite the retraction, several Israeli media outlets amplified the false claims as if they were factual. The Jerusalem Post ran the headline "Erdoğan threatens Israel with military intervention, MK calls him 'arrogant dictator,'" while Maariv claimed "Erdoğan signals military intervention against Israel."

Türkiye responds

Türkiye's Communications Directorate's Disinformation Combat Center stated that all the claims were baseless and aimed at harming regional stability. The center emphasized that the fabricated quotes were never made by President Erdoğan.

Context

The false claims emerged amid ongoing tensions following the US-Israeli war on Iran, which began Feb. 28. Türkiye has maintained diplomatic engagement throughout the conflict, with President Erdoğan advocating for a ceasefire and a return to dialogue.