Speaking on Saturday, Erdoğan accused Zionism of posing an existential threat, saying it endangers more than just him or his party and instead threatens “everyone.” He framed Turkey’s confrontation with Israel’s policies as a matter of national survival rather than personal or partisan interest.

The remarks reflect Erdoğan’s broader, sharply escalatory rhetoric since the Oct. 7, 2023 war in Gaza began, and were described as part of a familiar pattern in his messaging toward Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Erdoğan has repeatedly used extreme language in reference to Israeli leadership and actions during the conflict, including calling Israel an “occupier” and alleging “genocidal methods.”

The article also notes that Erdoğan’s rhetoric comes amid continuing strains in Turkey–Israel relations following earlier rapprochement, with Turkey maintaining ties with Hamas and cutting trade and economic links with Israel while stopping short of fully severing diplomatic relations.