Netanyahu says Israel takes Erdogan’s threats seriously and will alert the United States

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet that Israel is treating President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s hostile rhetoric "very seriously" and will raise the issue with the United States. He quoted the Times of Israel, saying: "Almost every day … Erdogan calls for the destruction of the State of Israel. We take these words very seriously, because if history has taught us anything, it is that when someone says they intend to destroy you, you must take it seriously. We will also draw the attention of our American friends to these statements. We do not ignore them."

Erdogan has repeatedly demanded the destruction of Israel, including a prayer during Ramadan in which he urged Allah to “destroy and annihilate Zionist Israel.” The Turkish president has also used recent NATO‑summit talks in Ankara to demand Turkey’s full inclusion in European defence structures, alleging that political restrictions are excluding Turkish capabilities.

Netanyahu’s remarks come amid heightened tension between the two countries and follow previous Turkish statements calling for the “liberation” of Jerusalem. Israel’s government says it will inform U.S. officials of the ongoing threats.