Turkish President and Justice and Development (AK) Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a forceful speech at the AK Party’s group meeting at the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (GNAT), addressing both domestic unity and the growing regional crisis stemming from Israeli aggression.

Speaking amid escalating violence in Gaza and rising tensions between Israel and Iran, Erdoğan warned that Türkiye is navigating a “highly sensitive period” and called for national solidarity to confront external threats and defend the country’s sovereignty.

Türkiye's Strategic Priorities: National Unity and Anti-Terror Focus

“We must devote all our energy and capacity to matters concerning our survival,” the president said, urging lawmakers to adopt a collective stance for the security and peace of the nation. Emphasizing Türkiye’s pivotal geopolitical position, Erdoğan reiterated the government’s ongoing campaign against terrorism and all forms of subversion, including the remnants of the FETO network and what he called the “extensions of Zionism” within the country.

Strong Condemnation of Israel's Actions in Gaza and Beyond

Erdoğan delivered one of his strongest denunciations yet of the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza, describing it as an inhumane genocide.

“The blood of massacred civilians, murdered babies, and children has splattered not only on the hands of those who support Israel’s arrogance but also on those who remain silent,” he declared, criticizing the inaction of international institutions and Western powers.

He further warned that Israel’s actions in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran amount to regional destabilization, and that Türkiye is “closely monitoring” developments, especially Israeli operations targeting Iranian territory.

Netanyahu Compared to Hitler

In a striking remark, President Erdoğan accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of having “surpassed Hitler in committing genocide,” and expressed hope that Netanyahu would not share the same historical fate.

“Israel has expanded the scope of its banditry by launching attacks and assassinations inside Iran,” Erdoğan said. “In the face of this aggression, Türkiye will not remain silent.”

Türkiye’s Defense Capabilities and Diplomatic Mission

Highlighting Türkiye’s growing self-reliance in defense, Erdoğan pointed to the country’s domestically developed air defense systems and commitment to full strategic independence in the defense industry. “No one should dare to test our patience or compare Türkiye with others,” he warned.

Despite his firm stance, Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to peace. “We sincerely strive for peace, but if we are attacked, we respond with the strength of our ancestors,” he said, signaling readiness for both defense and dialogue.

He vowed to continue “telephone diplomacy” and international engagement to prevent a broader catastrophe, emphasizing that Türkiye seeks “cooperation, stability, and security in the entire Middle East.”

Ongoing Efforts for Peace and Regional Stability

Erdoğan concluded by pledging that Türkiye would persist in its efforts to stop Israeli aggression and intensify its diplomatic initiatives to ensure regional peace. “We will not pause our efforts. The Republic of Türkiye is not just any state—it is a nation with a legacy of leadership and responsibility.” (ILKHA)