Israeli Doctor Behind Secret Mission to Save Turkish President Erdogan Declines Comment

Following a recent revelation on Channel 14 about the Israeli rescue of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, journalist Yehuda Shlezinger attempted to contact the doctor responsible for the operation. The doctor, identified as Professor Shapira and reportedly sent by the Mossad, refused to discuss the matter, repeatedly stating he does not speak to journalists and ended the call. The conversation aimed to confirm whether the doctor and Israeli officials maintained contact over the years and to obtain an official response regarding Erdogan's treatment.

The background to this story was provided by former Ichilov Hospital spokesperson Avi Shoshan, who disclosed that about seven years ago, Erdogan was seriously ill with cancer. Israel initiated a covert operation, approved by then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to save Erdogan's life. The Mossad dispatched the specialist from Ichilov Hospital to treat the Turkish president. Shoshan emphasized that this was a deliberate Israeli action, although official spokespeople have sought to conceal the details.

Panelists on the Channel 14 program explained the doctor's silence as a result of security restrictions and censorship. Shoshan described Professor Shapira as a "doctor of the State of Israel" who operates on secret missions and consistently avoids media exposure or discussing his assignments. The story highlights the sensitive nature of covert medical assistance provided by Israel to a foreign leader and the ongoing efforts to keep such operations confidential.