What’s happening:

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued scathing remarks against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, branding him as the butcher of Gaza and insisting on trying him as a war criminal over Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip.

Why it matters:

The harsh language used by Erdogan marks a significant downturn in the already strained relations between Israel and Turkey. It indicates a departure from the brief period of apparent rapprochement and signals a solidifying stance against Israel by the Turkish administration.

The context:

Following a deadly incident on October 7, when over 1,200 Israelis were killed by Hamas terrorists, Turkey initially condemned the civilian deaths but urged Israel to respond with restraint. However, as the situation escalated, Turkey’s tone hardened, with Erdogan accusing Israel of war crimes and defending Hamas’s actions as a legitimate struggle. This rhetoric has culminated in Erdogan’s recent statements, further deteriorating the diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The larger picture:

Erdogan’s unabashed criticism of Israel extends beyond the two countries’ bilateral relations. It encompasses a broader international context where he has targeted any nation showing support for Israel. This stance has significant implications for regional diplomacy and Israel’s position in international relations.

The bottom line:

Despite Israel’s willingness to overlook previous hostile remarks for the sake of improved relations, Erdogan’s latest comments represent a point of no return. Israel and the international community are now faced with the challenge of responding to Turkey’s provocations and holding Erdogan accountable for his words and actions.

This story was first published on jpost.com.