The effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, hung from a crane in Trabzon, Turkey, has ignited a diplomatic firestorm. The incident, attributed to a local academic, has fueled accusations of state-sponsored antisemitism and deepened the already turbulent relationship between Israel and Turkey.
According to Turkish media, the effigy was created by Kemal Saglam, a professor at a local university, and displayed as a symbolic act of protest against alleged Israeli actions in Gaza. The act, which included a banner reading ‘Death penalty for Netanyahu,’ was widely shared on social media and has drawn fierce criticism from Israel. Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the display, claiming the Turkish authorities had not disavowed the act and that the effigy was made ‘with the proud support of a state company.’
The incident has intensified the longstanding tensions between Israel and Turkey, which have been further exacerbated by the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly accused Netanyahu of committing ‘genocide’ in Gaza, a claim that has drawn global attention and sparked international debate.
Turkey’s role in recent ceasefire negotiations has been a key factor in the ongoing conflict. Ankara’s influence over Hamas, which is part of the broader Trump plan, has been instrumental in facilitating the release of hostages. However, the latest developments have raised concerns about the extent of Turkey’s involvement and the potential implications for regional stability.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community closely monitors the diplomatic and political developments in the region. The effigy incident serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated animosities and the complex dynamics at play in the Middle East.