The war of words between Turkey and Israel has intensified in recent weeks, exposing a deepening rift between the two regional powers.
The latest round of hostiles began when the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s office filed charges against 35 individuals, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for last year’s attack against the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters.
The prosecutor’s charges, which sought lengthy jail terms, were seen by Netanyahu as an escalatory step.
In an election year, the Israeli prime minister needed to protect his image, especially with the US ceasefire with Iran denting his popularity at home.
So, in response, Netanyahu took to X and accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of massacring his own citizens – the Kurds.
For Netanyahu, chastising Erdogan may have been a necessary move to help him score political points and win over some undecided voters.
Rather than mere rhetoric, the current war of words have sparked fears that the two countries could be on a collision course.
Read more: What levers can Turkey use against Israel if their war of words escalates?
