Controversial Israeli Minister's Remarks: After Iran, It's the 'Ottoman's' Turn

Details of Gamliel's Controversial Speech at the Jerusalem Summit On June 27, 2026, Gila Gamliel, Israel's Minister of Science and Technology, delivered a speech during the 'JNS International Policy Summit' in Jerusalem that quickly dominated regional headlines. Referring to Tel Aviv's long-term strategy, she claimed that after overcoming challenges posed by the Iranian regime, Israel must confront 'Ottoman Empire ambitions' [1]. During this address, Gamliel emphasized that Turkey has become a real and future threat to Israeli citizens by attempting to expand its influence beyond its borders and lead the region based on its own vision [4].

Sharp Reaction from Ankara and Turkish Media Turkish state and private media, including the newspaper 'Yeni Şafak', reflected these statements as an unofficial declaration of war and a sign of Israel's expansionist nature [2]. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, responding to similar rhetoric from Israeli officials in recent days, had previously described Israel as a 'massacre network' that has turned terror and occupation into official policy [3]. Erdoğan stressed that with such provocations, Israel seeks to undermine the difficult diplomatic consensuses achieved in recent weeks to establish peace in the region [5].

Geopolitical Analysis: From Iran to Neo-Ottomanism These remarks come as the Middle East has recently emerged from a 40-day war that began in February 2026. Analysts believe that by redefining the enemy from the 'Shiite Crescent' to 'Ottoman influence,' Israel is seeking to create a new front to garner international support and distract public opinion from the consequences of the recent war [4]. The use of the word 'Ottoman' instead of Turkey's official name indicates a conscious effort to provoke nationalist and historical sentiments in both countries.

Diplomatic Consequences in the Post-War Atmosphere While negotiations between the United States and Iran are underway in Switzerland under a 60-day ceasefire, the inclusion of Turkey in Israel's security equations could jeopardize the current fragile stability [1]. Ankara officials have warned that any provocative Israeli action in Northern Syria or the Eastern Mediterranean will be met with a decisive response. These verbal tensions indicate that even with temporary agreements, strategic rivalries in the Middle East are entering a more complex and dangerous phase.