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Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli, who's well known for his anti-Türkiye stance, called for cutting diplomatic ties with Türkiye, describing it as "an enemy state" and warning that Israeli forces "cannot accept, no matter what," Turkish troops in Gaza.
"I think we should cut ties with Türkiye. It's an enemy state," Chikli told Israeli media outlet i24News host Laura Cellier.
Chikli said he was "one of the first ministers to identify Türkiye as an enemy state" and has called for the Turkish consulate to be closed.
Türkiye is willing to take part in the Gaza peacekeeping force. Türkiye has expressed a firm stance against Israeli genocide in Gaza since Oct. 7.
Chikli said Israel cannot accept Turkish troops in Gaza under any circumstances.
"We cannot accept, no matter what; we cannot accept Turkish troops in Gaza. It would be a disaster and a major threat for the state of Israel because it puts the Israeli army and the Turkish forces together, and there might be a chance that because of some misunderstanding or something small, that can light a big war, and we don't want it to happen," Chikli said.
"In Gaza, don't even think about getting into Gaza, and we cannot accept it. No matter what, no matter what," he added.
When asked if this meant going against U.S. President Trump, Chikli responded, "Even if that means going against President Trump, maybe. Look, I have tremendous appreciation for President Trump..."
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Chikli also warned Türkiye to stay out of Syria.
"We are saying to the Turks in Syria, stay out of Syria and specifically southern Syria," Chikli said.
He noted that Israel does not currently have an active embassy in Ankara "because of the threats, because of the incitement."
Retired Israeli Army Major General Eitan Dangot, also speaking to i24News, echoed the opposition to Turkish military presence in Gaza.
"The first soldier of Türkiye that will enter to Gaza will be a great mistake by Israeli authorities because Türkiye is not a fair player here," Dangot said.
Dangot said Türkiye should be seen as planning to become "the coming threat after Iran on the Israeli borders."
"Türkiye will do it from Gaza and from the north," he added.
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