Israeli minister calls Türkiye an “enemy state”

Israel’s minister for diaspora affairs, Amichai Chikli, has called on Israel to “cut ties” with Türkiye, describing the country as an “enemy state”.

“We cannot accept Turkish troops in Gaza”, he told Israeli broadcaster i24News, warning that such a move would pose as a direct threat to Israel’s national security.

Chilki said the deployment of Turkish forces in Gaza “would be a disaster” and could bring the Israel Defence Force into direct confrontation with Turkish forces.

He warned that any misunderstanding between the two militaries could escalate into a wider conflict.

Chikli’s remarks come amid regional debate over possible international involvement in Gaza as part of future security or peacekeeping arrangements.

While no concrete plans for a Turkish military deployment have been announced, he said Israel viewed the idea as wholly unacceptable.

He also criticised Türkiye’s wider regional role, particularly its military presence in Syria.

Chikli warned Ankara against expanding operations in the country’s south, an area close to Israel’s border and regarded by Israeli security officials as strategically sensitive.

“We are telling the Turks in Syria: stay away, especially from the southern part,” he said. “As for Gaza, do not even think about entering. We cannot accept it.”

Tension between Israel and Türkiye have increased significantly since the start of the war in Gaza, with Turkish leaders strongly criticising Israel’s actions.

Türkiye has not yet commented on Chikli’s remarks.

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