Nazareth (Palestine) - QPI

Israeli officials have dismissed statements by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in which he warned that Ankara would sever diplomatic ties with Israel if the latter announced Jerusalem as its capital.

Erdogan’s speech came in anticipation of US President Donald Trump’s expected announcement of his administration’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a decision which has already stirred widespread criticism from activists and governments throughout the world.

Israeli diplomatic officials said in a statement that Jerusalem has been the “capital of the Jewish people for 3,000 years and Israel’s capital for 70 years, regardless of whether Erdogan recognises this or not”.

Education Minister Naftali Bennett said: “Unfortunately, in recent years, Erdogan has not missed an opportunity to attack Israel. Israel must advance its goals, including the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of its state.”

Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz said recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is a fair and historic move.

“There is no more historically justified and correct step now than recognising Jerusalem, which has been the capital of the Jewish people for the past 3,000 years, as the capital of Israel. The days of the sultan and the Ottoman Empire have passed,” Katz said.

Housing Minister Yoav Galant said: “Turkish rule in Israel ended 100 years ago”, adding: “Erdogan, you have enough troubles in Turkey... worry about your own issues and don’t threaten us.”

Erdogan warned on Tuesday his American counterpart, Trump of the repercussions of recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

“Mr. Trump! Jerusalem is a red line for Muslims” he said.

Turkish deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ warned on Monday that “if the status of Jerusalem is changed and another step is taken … that would be a major catastrophe.”

“It would completely destroy the fragile peace process in the region, and lead to new conflicts, new disputes and new unrest,” he added.