The Turkish leader has repeatedly attacked Israel for the scale of death and destruction caused by its response to Hamas’ unprecedented October 7 cross-border attack.
He has labeled Israel a “terrorist state”, Netanyahu the “butcher of Gaza”, while calling Hamas “a liberation group”.
Netanyahu fiercely attacked Erdogan’s remarks.
“Erdogan, who is committing genocide against the Kurds and holds a world record for jailing journalists who oppose his rule, is the last person who can preach morality to us,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
Netanyahu defended Israel’s military operation in Gaza while accusing Erdogan of praising and hosting Hamas leaders.
“Israeli forces are fighting to destroy the world’s most despicable and brutal terrorist organization,” he said, referring to Hamas. He said the group had “committed crimes against humanity”.