Former Ichilov Spokesman Reveals Israel Saved Turkish President Erdogan's Life

Avi Shoshan, former spokesperson for Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, disclosed on Channel 14 that about seven years ago, when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was seriously ill with cancer, Israel intervened to save his life. According to Shoshan, the Israeli Mossad sent a specialist doctor from Ichilov Hospital to treat Erdogan, an operation carried out with the approval of then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Shoshan refused to reveal the doctor's name but emphasized that the mission was a deliberate state action, not a personal initiative.

The revelation came during the "Sheva" program hosted by Yehuda Shlezinger and Yaakov Bardugo, who expressed surprise and asked for more details. Shoshan noted that at the time, the media sought confirmation of the story, but he declined to comment. He highlighted the irony that Israel saved the life of a man who currently threatens the Jewish people and Israel. Bardugo addressed then-US President Donald Trump, pointing out that Erdogan's survival was thanks to Israeli efforts, including Netanyahu's leadership, despite Erdogan's hostile stance toward Israel.

This disclosure sheds light on a previously unknown episode of covert medical assistance by Israel to a foreign leader who later became an adversary, illustrating complex geopolitical and humanitarian dynamics. The story underscores the Mossad's role in sensitive international operations and the Israeli government's involvement in life-saving diplomacy.

No further details about the medical treatment or Erdogan's current health status were provided. The Israeli government has not officially commented on the revelation.