JERUSALEM (The Thursday Times) — Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz has made a bold call for NATO to expel Turkey from the alliance, accusing Ankara of supporting Hamas and undermining regional stability. This unprecedented demand comes amid heightened tensions following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s threats against Israel and continued obstruction of NATO-Israel cooperation.
Katz’s statement, delivered via social media, harshly criticized Turkey’s stance, labeling it a supporter of “murderers and rapists” and part of the “Iranian axis of evil”. This follows Erdogan’s pledge to block any NATO cooperation with Israel until a comprehensive cease-fire is established in Gaza.
The diplomatic spat escalated after Erdogan accused Israel of severe human rights violations in its Gaza operations, describing the actions as the “brutal murder of innocent people”. In response, Katz condemned Erdogan’s remarks as slanderous and disrespectful, arguing that Turkey’s NATO membership is incompatible with its current policies.
This clash highlights the deepening divide within NATO, with Turkey often at odds with other members over issues ranging from regional security to military procurement. Erdogan’s recent comments at the NATO summit underscored Turkey’s stance, further complicating its relationship with Western allies∎
