Israeli Minister Labels Erdogan a 'Hitler-Sinwar Hybrid,' Warns of Possible War with Turkey

Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, Amichai Shikli, launched a severe verbal attack on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a closed conference held by the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy (JCAP). Shikli described Erdogan as a "combination of Hitler and Sinwar," citing Erdogan's imperialistic ambitions and ethnic cleansing intentions against non-Muslim minorities in the region. He also revealed for the first time that Israel had saved Erdogan's life, referencing a past medical intervention for Erdogan's cancer treatment, which was previously disclosed by a former Ichilov Hospital spokesperson.

Shikli criticized Turkey's hostile stance toward Israel despite Israel's humanitarian aid during Turkey's recent devastating earthquake, calling Turkey "ungrateful beyond imagination." He urged the immediate closure of the Turkish consulate in Jerusalem, accusing it of undermining Israeli sovereignty by supporting Islamist organizations and the Palestinian Authority. JCAP chairman Haim Silverstein supported this call, stating the consulate should only remain open if Erdogan recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Highlighting the growing Turkish military and political influence surrounding Israel, from Syria and Lebanon to Hamas in Gaza, Shikli warned that Israel must prepare for a potential war with Turkey, including possible direct military confrontations at sea. He described the possibility of Turkish military action against Israel as "definitely possible," expressing concern over the close ties between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Erdogan.

These statements come amid escalating political and military tensions between Israel and Turkey, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently calling Israel a "burden on humanity." The future of Turkey's diplomatic presence in Jerusalem remains uncertain as Israel weighs its response to Ankara's antagonistic policies.