Netanyahu Criticises Erdogan Over Remarks on 'Sabotage' of US-Iran Ceasefire

According to AFP, on Sunday (12/4/2026), shortly after the United States and Iran agreed to a ceasefire earlier this week, Erdogan warned US President Donald Trump about the “possibility of provocations and sabotage” that could damage the agreement. Erdogan did not specify who might threaten the deal. Nevertheless, Netanyahu was furious with Erdogan’s statement. He responded by criticising the Turkish leader. “Israel, under my leadership, will continue to fight the Iranian terrorist regime and its proxies, unlike Erdogan who accommodates them and massacres his own Kurdish people,” Netanyahu said on X. During his phone conversation with Trump, Erdogan also urged that the ceasefire “not be compromised under any circumstances” and stated that Turkey would offer full support to ensure that. Turkey, despite being a harsh critic of Israel, joined diplomatic efforts with Egypt and Pakistan to achieve the ceasefire in the conflict. Then on Saturday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also condemned Erdogan on X. He called Erdogan a “paper tiger”. Erdogan, “who does not respond to missile attacks from Iran on Turkish territory and has proven to be a paper tiger, is now fleeing to the realm of antisemitism and calling for a show trial in Turkey against Israel’s political and military leadership”. “It’s absurd. A Muslim Brotherhood member who massacres Kurds accuses Israel—which is defending itself against its Hamas ally—of genocide,” Katz said. “Israel will continue to defend itself with strength and determination—and he should remain silent,” he added.