Israeli Minister Calls Turkey 'Enemy State' and Opposes Troops in Gaza

January 5, 2026 – Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli has repeatedly described Turkey as a major threat to Israel, advocating for the closure of Turkish diplomatic missions and opposing any Turkish military involvement in Gaza or influence in Syria.

In recent statements, Chikli has warned that Turkey poses "the greatest threat to the State of Israel," citing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's rhetoric, support for Hamas, and regional ambitions. He has called for isolating Turkey diplomatically and closing its consulates in Israel, describing Erdoğan's actions as those of a leader of an "enemy state."

Strong Opposition to Turkish Role in Gaza

Chikli has firmly rejected any Turkish participation in post-war Gaza arrangements, including peacekeeping or stabilization forces. He stated that Israel "will not tolerate a Turkish presence" on its southern border with Gaza, emphasizing risks of escalation if Turkish and Israeli troops were in close proximity.

'I think we should cut ties with Turkey: it's an enemy state... The US needs to rethink how they address the radical Islamist ideology of Erdoğan and Jolani'

Israel's Diaspora Minister, Amichai Chikli, on #MiddleEastNow with @Laura_L_Cellier pic.twitter.com/QHHaRHNg9o

— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) January 4, 2026

This stance aligns with broader Israeli policy, as reports indicate Israel is pushing to exclude Turkey from international mechanisms overseeing Gaza's reconstruction and security.

Warnings on Syria and Regional Threats

Chikli has also cautioned against Turkish expansion in Syria, particularly in the south, urging Ankara to "stay out." He has linked Turkey to a "new axis of evil" alongside Syria and Qatar, accusing it of neo-Ottoman imperialism and support for jihadist groups. 5 "LARGE"

Background on Strained Israel-Turkey Relations

Ties between Israel and Turkey have deteriorated sharply in recent years, exacerbated by the Gaza conflict and differing regional policies. Despite periodic economic links, diplomatic relations remain downgraded, with mutual accusations of hostility.

Chikli's comments reflect ongoing Israeli concerns over Turkey's role in supporting Hamas and influencing post-conflict scenarios in Gaza and Syria.

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