Latest Developments
Erdogan Offers Prayers for Palestinian Terrorists: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for God to destroy Israel during a prayer service to mark the end of Ramadan on March 30. “May Allah, for the sake of his name … destroy and devastate Zionist Israel,” Erdogan said. He also prayed for “mercy upon the martyrs” of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and a “speedy recovery” for their wounded terrorists.
Ankara’s Crackdown on Protests: Erdogan’s comments come as he faces growing protests against his arrest of the popular mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu. Erdogan’s government has cracked down on the demonstrations, arresting more than 1,800 protestors and jailing about 260 who are awaiting trials. While Erdogan’s presidential term expires in 2028, the Turkish parliament is expected to call an early election to allow him to run for an additional term in office.
Erdogan’s Escalating Anti-Israel Rhetoric: Erdogan’s rhetoric against Israel escalated in the wake Hamas’s October 7, 2023, massacre in Israel. He has compared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler while emphasizing that “Turkey is a country that speaks openly with Hamas leaders and firmly backs them.” Throughout the conflict, Erdogan has openly met with Hamas leaders and even threatened military action against Israel.
FDD Expert Response
“Day by day, Erdogan is witnessing the increasing volume of Turkish people protesting in anger over the jailing of Imamoglu. The crowds are also protesting Erdogan’s attempted autocratic takeover of the country by denying citizens a choice on who they want to field as a candidate against him. Erdogan’s response: To engage in anti-Israeli rhetoric to deflect the public’s attention. It’s a desperate move by the regime, as it signals that Erdogan has no strategy to quell the constantly rising rancor. This is an opportunity for Washington and the European Union to step up pressure against Erdogan and condemn his undemocratic tirade.” —Sinan Ciddi, Non-Resident Senior Fellow
“Erdogan’s call for the destruction of Israel should force the United States to begin an escalatory ladder of responses to hold Turkey’s leadership accountable. The United States is statutorily required to evaluate arms sales to the region based on Israel’s qualitative military edge and its ability to counter any threats posed by neighboring countries. Turkey’s ability to purchase advanced fighter aircraft like the F-35 should trigger congressional review and evaluation of Turkey as a potential military belligerent. The United States should continue to outline restrictions on foreign military financing and the exclusion of Turkey from NATO exercises as initial steps to address Erdogan’s provocations against Israel.” — Tyler Stapleton, Director of Congressional Relations, FDD Action
FDD Background and Analysis
“Hamas and Turkey: Partners in Terror,” by Jonathan Schanzer, Sinan Ciddi, Melissa Sacks, and Michael Rubin
“A bad week for the Muslim Brotherhood,” by Ben Cohen
“‘Walk Across the Street’: Turkish Opposition Calls for Nationwide Boycotts of Pro-Erdogan Companies and Media,” FDD Flash Brief
“Turkey Arrests Presidential Candidate Ekrem Imamoglu,” by Sinan Ciddi
Issues:
Israel Turkey