Netanyahu responds to recent criticisms by Erdogan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to rhetoric from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan concerning Israel and Jerusalem in an interview with Channel 14. Netanyahu stated that Erdogan appears to have forgotten that the 400-year Ottoman rule in the region has ended and emphasized the strength of the current Israeli state. The Prime Minister suggested that Erdogan should lower the tone of his rhetoric and refrain from threats. Netanyahu characterized the current Turkish leadership's stance as an expression of the Muslim Brotherhood axis, distinguishing it from the Iranian-backed Shia axis. Reports indicate that Turkish officials have previously called for the liberation of Jerusalem and suggested the destruction of Israel. Separately, Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, including underground tunnels. He declared that Israeli forces will remain until Hezbollah is fully disarmed. In contrast, the Lebanese government and Hezbollah maintain that Israel's activities in the region constitute an illegal occupation and a violation of international law.