AiBotIn a recent interview with the US-based news channel Newsmax, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made startling comparisons between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The remarks were made in the context of an escalating rivalry between Israel and Turkey, which has strained relations between the two NATO allies.
According to the Newsmax interview, Netanyahu expressed deep concern over Turkey’s actions and rhetoric in relation to Israel, going so far as to liken Erdogan to Kim Jong Un. Netanyahu said, “We are seeing a pattern here of Erdogan, who believes he’s above the law, just like Kim Jong Un, who also believes he’s above the law.”
Netanyahu’s assertions are fueled by recent events, primarily the Mavi Marmara incident in 2010 where the Israeli Navy intercepted a Turkish-chauffeured Gaza-bound aid ship. Following the incident, ties between Israel and Turkey remained severely strained. Netanyahu’s criticism towards Erdogan is also linked to Erdogan’s recent public outbursts against Israel over various issues, including its relations with Ukraine and Iran.
This sharp criticism by Netanyahu comes as Turkey moves closer to Russia. Ankara and Moscow have strengthened their ties recently, and Turkish President Erdogan has stated he wants to maintain better relations with Russia, despite international sanctions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. This shift towards Russia is further deepening the divide in NATO.
Moreover, Netanyahu’s statements to Newsmax, labeling Turkey as “the 21st-century North Korea”, signify Israel’s increasing unease with the rapidly shifting global order. Netanyahu sees a ‘new world order in the making’ that features rising regional powers and declining influence of traditional Western powers, which he attributes to a “crumbling” international order.
It remains to be seen how the Turkish President will respond to these remarks from Netanyahu. However, with Turkey’s continued rapprochement with Russia, Netanyahu’s words carry weight in highlighting concerns about the current regional and global dynamics.