Turkish deputy minister to Israeli PM Netanyahu: 'You will die'

Turkish Deputy Education Minister Nazif Yılmaz quoted Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in a social media post and said “You’ll die (horribly).” Yılmaz later deleted his post.

This file photo shows Turkish Deputy Education Minister Nazif Yılmaz

Duvar English

Turkish Deputy Education Minister Nazif Yılmaz on Oct. 11 addressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and said “You’ll die (horribly).” 

Quoting Netanyahu’s post on X regarding the bombing of Gaza, Yılmaz said “One day they will shoot you too. You will die (horribly).”

Yılmaz later deleted his post. 

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Turkish government have used conciliatory language regarding the latest conflict between Hamas and Israel, especially in the beginning, calling on the parties to act with restraint and emphasizing that they could play a role in a possible ceasefire. Erdoğan also condemned the killing of civilians on both sides and urged the formation of an independent Palestinian state.

On the other hand, Turkish opposition parties, in general, declared their support for Palestinians. Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu said they “are always with the Palestinian people” but they never want a war. 

The government’s radical Islamist ally Free Cause Party (HÜDA-PAR), and opposition Islamist Felicity and Future parties are planning to hold a joint rally in Istanbul on Oct. 15 in support of Palestinians.