Israeli media on Erdoğan: 'No more Mr. Nice Guy'

The Israeli media has recently focused on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the relations between Israel and Turkey. A key point in their analysis is Erdoğan's statement calling Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu the "butcher of Gaza." This term indicates a significant change in the tone of Erdoğan's diplomatic language and suggests a point of no return in the relationship between Turkey and Israel.

The Jerusalem Post, a prominent Israeli newspaper, published an editorial titled "No more Mr. Nice Guy after Turkey's actions," referring to Erdoğan's comments about Netanyahu. The article discusses the historical context of Israel and Turkey's relations, mentioning that there were friendly exchanges until Israel's blockade of Gaza. However, it expresses skepticism about the possibility of these two countries becoming allies soon, especially under Erdoğan's leadership.

Erdoğan's consistent rhetoric against Netanyahu is highlighted in the editorial. He has accused Netanyahu of being a war criminal and referred to him as the "butcher of Gaza." The article also notes Turkey's condemnation of civilian deaths due to Hamas's attacks and its call for restraint from Israel.

The editorial further discusses the shift in narrative following a conversation between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Hamas leader Haniyeh, where they talked about releasing civilian prisoners. The Jerusalem Post described this as the most friendly gesture observed in Turkey but noted that such occurrences had not been repeated.

The paper also reflects on Erdoğan's description of Hamas as a liberation group fighting for its lands and people and criticizes Turkey's continued condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza, despite Israel's claim of defensive operations.

The newspaper, referencing President Erdoğan's critical statements about Israel and Netanyahu, concluded that there's no turning back from these remarks:

"Following the crisis in 2008, Israel saw an apparent growth in its relations with Turkey. While Israel was willing to overlook Erdoğan's past strange statements for warming relations, his latest remarks signal an irreparable rift."

The Jerusalem Post recalled Erdoğan's comments to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, accusing Israel of shamelessly violating international humanitarian law. It also mentioned his statements to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, where he labeled Israel as not only a murderer but also a thief and called for Netanyahu, the 'butcher of Gaza,' to be tried as a war criminal.

The Jerusalem Post evaluated Erdoğan's behavior, stating,

"While international relations allow for ample legitimate criticism, this is not it: it's the desperate outcry of a leader who thinks his actions will bear no consequences."

The Jerusalem Post concludes by stating that it's time for Israel and the international community to show Erdoğan that his actions are not without consequences.