Israel-Turkey tensions escalate as Katz tells Erdoğan to take Gazans to Antalya
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has delivered a sharp message to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, saying Israel will not allow Turkish forces to enter Gaza or permit Iran or other actors to rearm Hamas.
Katz told Erdoğan that if he wants to assist the people of Gaza, whom he described as Erdoğan’s “brothers in ideology and path,” he should invite them to Antalya, Turkey.
In a sarcastic remark, Katz added that there is “plenty of space” in Antalya following the absence of Israeli tourists.
The comments come amid rapidly deteriorating relations between Israel and Turkey, particularly over the war in Gaza and Ankara’s support for the Palestinians. Erdoğan has repeatedly condemned Israel’s military operations in Gaza, while Israeli officials have accused Turkey of providing support and hosting members of Hamas—allegations Ankara disputes.
Katz has also reiterated Israel’s intention to continue military operations in Gaza, arguing that the objective is to prevent a repeat of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
His remarks about relocating Palestinians from Gaza have drawn renewed attention to the highly controversial issue of the territory’s future population and reconstruction.
The exchange highlights the widening political divide between Ankara and Tel Aviv, with Gaza, Hamas, Palestinian displacement and Turkey’s regional role emerging as major points of confrontation.