Turkey’s Erdogan calls for Israel’s destruction amid rising tensions: Report

Turkish police were seen using pepper spray on protesters gathered in support of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu near the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality building. The incident occurred on March 23, 2025, as tensions in the region escalated following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s call for the destruction of Israel during Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Çamlıca Mosque in Istanbul.

Erdoğan’s inflammatory remarks drew fierce condemnation from Israeli officials, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar labeling him as a dictator with antisemitic views. The Israeli Foreign Ministry demanded clarity on Erdoğan’s stance on Israel, highlighting the growing concern over his intentions towards the Jewish state.

The strained relationship between Turkey and Israel goes beyond Erdoğan’s support for Hamas, as tensions have also been fueled by Turkey’s actions in Syria and the crackdown on political opponents at home. The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has sparked widespread protests, with demonstrators expressing outrage over authoritarian maneuvers by the government.

Despite the domestic turmoil in Turkey, U.S. officials are seeking to stabilize relations with the country. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss geopolitical issues, including Turkey’s potential support for a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire.

Erdoğan’s aggressive rhetoric against Israel comes amidst his support for Hamas and other extremist groups in the region, further complicating the already strained relations between Turkey and its allies. The escalating tensions have raised concerns over Ankara’s role in fostering instability in the region and its impact on international security.

The Trump administration has indicated a potential shift in policy towards Turkey, including the possibility of lifting restrictions on defense contracts and reinstating Turkey’s participation in the F-35 program. As a NATO member, Turkey plays a crucial role in the alliance’s security framework, making efforts to mend relations with the country a top priority for U.S. officials.

In conclusion, the recent incidents in Istanbul highlight the complex and volatile political landscape in the region, with implications for both domestic and international relations. The use of pepper spray on protesters and Erdoğan’s inflammatory remarks against Israel underscore the challenges facing Turkey and its allies in the pursuit of peace and stability.