Israeli MP Ariel Kellner Declares Turkey an 'Enemy State'

(Patria) - Israeli MP Ariel Kellner has declared Turkey an "enemy state" amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

Kellner, a Knesset member from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, said in an interview with Galei Israel radio that Turkey is "an enemy state in every intention and purpose" and that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is "a dictator who wants to restore the Islamic caliphate."

"He is a very dangerous person who hates Israel to the core," Kellner said, adding that Israel and Western states "should consider him a threat."

Kellner's comments followed Erdogan's statement on Tuesday that Israeli attacks on Syria and Lebanon have reached a point where they pose a threat to Turkey, and that Israeli "aggression" threatens the security of the entire world.

"Israel must be stopped, it is the duty of humanity," Erdogan said.

Netanyahu responded by calling Erdogan an "anti-Semitic dictator."

Asked about Erdogan's comments, US President Donald Trump told reporters: "He is a very good friend of mine and we worked very well together. I like him a lot."

Turkey has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Israeli attacks on Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon.

Relations between the two countries sharply deteriorated when Ankara cut trade ties with Israel in May 2024 and joined South Africa's genocide lawsuit before the International Court of Justice.

Tensions between Israel and Turkey have further escalated in recent weeks, as leaders exchanged harsh accusations amid a deepening geopolitical rift centered on the ongoing war in Gaza and opposing influence in Syria.

In late May, Miki Zohar, Israel's Minister of Culture and Sports, called for Turkey to be treated as an "enemy state," warning that it could become Israel's next major adversary.

"We must start treating Turkey as an enemy state," Zohar said.

"If Turkey chooses the path of war with us, it will undoubtedly pay a very high price. Israel knows how to defend itself and how to harm those who harm it."

The minister added that Ankara would "without a doubt pay a huge price" if it went to war with Israel.