Turkish Interior Minister Slams Israeli Defense Minister Over Jerusalem Remarks

Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftci on Monday slammed Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's comments, reaffirming Ankara's support for the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem's status. Speaking at an event organized by the Turkish Youth Foundation (TÜGVA), Çiftci said: "We will never compromise on our stance. We will continue to carry the cause of Jerusalem's freedom in our hearts."

Minister Katz on Sunday attacked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Çiftci over comments regarding Jerusalem. In a social media statement, Katz wrote: "Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for 3,000 years and will remain the capital of Israel forever." He rejected what he described as aspirations to revive Ottoman influence in the region and argued that Israel remains capable of defending itself against any threats. Katz also commented on Erdoğan's leadership and referenced the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, claiming that modern Türkiye was being moved away from the principles established by its founder.

The exchange follows remarks by Çiftci at a meeting organized by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in the central province of Çorum. During that event, the interior minister expressed his wish to one day serve as governor of Jerusalem and voiced confidence the city would come under Turkish administration. "My prayer was that God would grant me the opportunity to serve as governor of Jerusalem, even for a single day," Çiftci said. "I believe those days will come."

Relations between Türkiye and Israel have remained strained over the war in Gaza. Turkish officials have repeatedly condemned Israeli military operations in Gaza and voiced support for Palestinian statehood. Türkiye advocates for a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital based on the 1967 borders.