Erdoğan shifts gears, calls Netanyahu a 'Pharaoh'

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reacted sharply to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement made after Friday prayers in Istanbul.

Speaking about the current situation in Gaza and Israel's obstructions, Erdoğan labeled Netanyahu a "Pharaoh," stating, "God willing, we will enter 2026 in a much different, stronger way. The actions of this Pharaoh called Netanyahu will not go unpunished. Because he has drawn the curse of many oppressed people, from 7 to 70." Erdoğan noted that Israel does not allow humanitarian aid to be sent to Gaza, stating that Turkey has containers ready to send aid but that Netanyahu does not grant permission. "We have containers in our possession; we could have had the chance to save our Palestinian brothers and sisters from living in tents with these, but we cannot," he said.

ERDOĞAN TO MEET WITH US PRESIDENT TRUMP

President Erdoğan also touched upon his diplomatic efforts regarding Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine war. Erdoğan stated that he will meet with US President Donald Trump on Monday. Announcing that the meeting will take place around 16:00, Erdoğan said, "We will have the opportunity to discuss issues between Russia and Ukraine, as well as issues in Palestine." Furthermore, he announced that diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war are ongoing and that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend the Coalition of Volunteers meeting in Paris on this matter.

Erdoğan emphasized the importance of the Coalition of Volunteers meeting to be held in the French capital, Paris, and announced that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend the meeting representing Turkey. Erdoğan said, "There will be a Volunteers Conference in Paris this week; my Foreign Minister will attend on my behalf."

"OUR RESERVES ARE QUITE GOOD"

President Erdoğan also made assessments regarding economic developments. He painted a positive picture regarding the decline in inflation and the fact that Central Bank reserves are improving day by day. Erdoğan stated, "We have entered, and are entering, 2026 in a positive way, above all else. Our reserves are quite good. Therefore, we are not experiencing any problems." Expressing his full belief in the strengthening of the economy, Erdoğan said, "God willing, we will make this reserve even stronger with more effort."

EARTHQUAKE HOUSING PROJECTS CONTINUE

President Erdoğan also provided information about the housing projects Turkey is carrying out in the earthquake zone. Stating that the construction process of houses built in the provinces affected by the earthquake is progressing rapidly, Erdoğan said that Environment Minister Murat Kurum and his team are working with great effort on these projects. "Our 11 provinces, as earthquake provinces, are continuing these efforts. We will reach our targets for earthquake housing. We will continue with the same effort in social housing outside of earthquake housing as well," he said.