[67002] Exchange of accusations between Israel and Turkey: Minister Miki Zohar warns Ankara
[67002] Exchange of accusations between Israel and Turkey: Minister Miki Zohar warns Ankara
Minister of Culture and Sport Miki Zohar threatens steps against Turkey, following sharp remarks exposed in reports in the Turkish media.
Growing tension: Minister Miki Zohar threatens a "heavy price" for Turkey
In a series of reports from May 19, 2026, the Turkish media reports on sharp statements made by the Israeli Minister of Culture and Sport, Miki Zohar, during an interview with the Israeli channel "Srugim". According to the Haber Gündem channel, Zohar claimed that Israel must declare Turkey an enemy, arguing that the time has come to take a clear stance against its policy.
As part of his remarks, also quoted by the Daily Islamist channel – a channel identified with an Islamist line supporting Palestinian positions – Zohar warned Ankara not to choose the "path of war" against Israel. According to Daily Islamist, the minister emphasized that "Turkey will pay a heavy price" if it chooses this path, adding an implicit warning referring to Iran: "The Iranians also thought so, and look where they are today."
The reports on the Haber Gündem channel present Zohar's remarks under the headline of "statements that cross lines" and "arrogant threats". The channel emphasizes that the things were said during a live broadcast in which the minister was asked about recent regional developments, and portrays his words as a significant rhetorical escalation by the political echelon in Israel towards the Turkish government.