Erdogan Brands Israel a “Terror State,” Citing Actions in Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan intensified his criticism of Israel on Thursday, calling it a “terror state” during remarks carried by local media. He accused Israel of exploiting concerns about the Druze minority to justify what he described as cross-border “banditry” in Syria. Erdogan’s comments add to mounting diplomatic friction between Ankara and Jerusalem, which has escalated since renewed conflict in Gaza and Israeli operations near the Syrian border. Turkish officials did not immediately announce any concrete policy measures following the speech, but Erdogan has previously warned of economic and political responses if Israel’s military actions expand in Syria.