Israel Calls Back Diplomats from Ankara in Response to Harsh Statements from Turkish Officials

On Saturday, Israel announced that it has recalled its diplomats from Turkey following increasingly harsh statements from Turkish officials. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen stated on the social media platform X on November 6, 'In light of the severe statements coming from Turkey, I have ordered the return of our diplomatic representatives from there to reassess relations between Israel and Turkey.' Diplomatic relations between Israel and Turkey had recently been resumed, and Israel's action today may lead to a renewed severance. Turkey has not yet responded to Cohen's remarks. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at a large rally in Istanbul on Saturday in support of Palestinians, stating that his government is preparing to declare Israel a 'war criminal' due to its actions in Gaza. Erdoğan also held Western governments responsible for the deaths of 'over 7,700 Palestinian residents of Gaza' caused by Israel. Erdoğan's harsh statements against Israel come despite Turkey having called for both sides to end hostilities shortly after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7. Turkey had previously announced its role in efforts to free over 220 hostages taken by Hamas. However, Erdoğan has recently intensified his criticism of Israel, condemning it for 'genocide' against Palestinians in Gaza and referring to Hamas, which is recognized as a terrorist group by the United States and the European Union, as a 'freedom-fighting group for Palestinians.' Turkey has previously hosted several Hamas leaders. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also met with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar in recent days. The U.S., Japan, and the European Union recognize the Hamas militia as a terrorist organization. The White House stated that the U.S. is utilizing all its capacities to free hostages held by Hamas. The U.S. has asked its allies in the Middle East to help cut off Hamas's funding networks. Israel has urged its citizens not to travel to Egypt and Jordan. The U.S. has sanctioned 10 individuals and entities linked to Hamas militants.