Turkey rattles saber at Israel: "They're a direct threat"

Turkey's Defense Minister made an unprecedented statement claiming Israel poses a direct security threat to Turkey.

The remarks, made during an interview with a local television channel, mark a new low in the already strained Israeli-Turkish relations.

Defense Minister Yasar Güler described Israel as an "aggressive state" that threatens the entire region. When asked specifically about Israel's threat to Turkish security, Güler referenced President Erdogan's previous warnings: "Would our President make such statements if there wasn't a real danger of Israel attacking us?"

Making the situation more complex, Güler warned that a third world war could erupt at any moment, noting how historically, major conflicts have sparked from seemingly minor events. While emphasizing that Turkey seeks peace, he stated their military stands ready for any scenario.

Significantly, Turkey's NATO membership adds weight to these declarations - as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, any attack on Turkey would be considered an attack on all 30 member states, including the United States.

This hostile rhetoric comes as Erdogan has taken an increasingly antagonistic stance toward Israel, recently hosting Hamas leaders' family members in Istanbul for condolence visits.

Walla News contributed to this article.