11.10.2026 20:30
Ankara issued successive reactions to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's remarks targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Türkiye. AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik and Communications Director Burhanettin Duran objected to the Israeli administration's accusations against Türkiye, while also harshly criticizing the death threats against the figures involved in the ceasefire talks.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's statements targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Türkiye drew reactions from AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik and Communications Director Burhanettin Duran. Both figures emphasized that the Israeli government's accusations against Türkiye cannot cover up its attacks in Gaza and its policies in the region, while also criticizing Katz's death threats against figures involved in ceasefire and peace negotiations.
ÖMER ÇELİK: A SIGN OF POLITICAL DESPERATION
AK Party Deputy Chairman and Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik assessed Katz's statements as an indication of the Israeli government's political desperation and exhaustion.
Stating that the Israeli government is trying to overcome its domestic political predicament by targeting Türkiye and President Erdoğan, Çelik said that baseless accusations against Türkiye cannot conceal Israel's attacks in Gaza and its expansionist policies throughout the region.
Çelik, who also reacted to Katz's death threats against actors who take responsibility in ceasefire and peace negotiations, noted that this approach demonstrated that international law, human rights and the global conscience are being disregarded.
Emphasizing that Türkiye, under President Erdoğan's leadership, will not bow to threats, provocation and blackmail, Çelik stated that they will continue to defend the Palestinian people's legitimate rights and lasting peace in the region.
BURHANETTİN DURAN: THREATS WILL NOT CHANGE OUR STANCE
Communications Director Burhanettin Duran also reacted to Katz's statements targeting President Erdoğan and Türkiye. Duran said the statements were a reflection of the political desperation experienced in Israel ahead of the upcoming elections.
Stating that baseless accusations against Türkiye cannot cover up the Israeli government's record in Gaza and the aggressive policies it pursues in the region, Duran noted that death threats against individuals involved in ceasefire and peace negotiations reflected a mentality that disregards international law.
Emphasizing that this attitude means explicitly ignoring international public opinion, Duran stated that Türkiye, under President Erdoğan's leadership, will continue to defend the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, justice and lasting peace.
Stating that the Israeli government's campaigns of threats, provocation and defamation cannot change Türkiye's stance based on rights and justice, Duran reiterated Ankara's determination on this issue.