The tension between Turkey and Israel is escalating with Erdogan’s continuous attacks that go beyond the language of diplomacy. What commentators are saying about the postponement of the US visit.

In a speech at the Jerusalem Inter-Parliamentary Platform Conference held in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at Israel, saying that “anyone who wants to see the modern-day Pharaohs should not go far. Let him look at those who brutally murdered 35,000 Palestinians. Today’s Hitler and the Nazis are in Gaza,” he said, adding: “You cannot put a chain on Tayyip Erdogan’s heart. We will never give in.”

But the response from Israel came in a scathing style through Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who posted an unflattering photoshop of Erdogan.

Referring to a well-known TV series that glorifies the Ottoman historical past, Katz advises the Turkish president to continue to dream of re-establishing the Ottoman Empire.

The reaction of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs was immediate, characterizing Kats’s post as “commonplace that lacks any seriousness”. The targeting of President Erdogan, the ministry’s text says, shows the state of mind of the Israeli government. “All members of the Israeli government will be brought to justice.”

This was followed by a series of announcements and statements by ministers and members of staff of the Turkish president with harsh characterizations against Israel, including the statement by the Turkish Minister of Justice that “Israeli leaders will always be remembered for the massacres they committed.”

Postponing Erdogan’s visit to the US – What commentators are saying

The tension in Turkish-Israeli relations comes as the postponement of Erdogan’s much-anticipated visit to the White House was announced. The two sides talk of a postponement due to an inconvenient date because their schedules could not be reconciled and stress that the high-level dialogue continues.

Analysts believe that the postponement came from Turkey due to a lack of clarity on the part of Washington regarding the program of the visit.

However, the American Ambassador in Ankara, Jeff Flake, said yesterday that preparations for the Erdogan-Biden meeting at the White House are continuing and that the official announcement about the visit will be made close to the date to be set.

Turkish diplomats believe the White House mismanaged the visit and underestimated Erdogan’s reaction. Interesting, however, is the comment that “this is a huge victory for Russia. Putin is probably rubbing his hands with glee.”