Turkey-Israel dispute triggers German rebuke of Turkish foreign minister

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan condemned Israel as a "burden humanity can no longer bear," remarks made after Israel recognised the Armenian genocide. The comments provoked sharp criticism in Germany, where Foreign Minister Johann Vande Föhl denounced the statements as a breach of the "red line" and called Israel’s right to self‑defence legitimate. Leaders of the SPD, Greens, Left and CDU also voiced condemnation, describing the language as dehumanising and dangerous. In response, Germany announced that Vande Föhl will travel to Israel for talks with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen before attending the NATO summit in Ankara, aiming to ease the tension between Turkey and Israel ahead of the meeting.

The row highlights Turkey’s complex role as a strategic NATO partner, balancing its growing ties with Germany and other allies against its confrontational stance toward Israel.