They are entering a race to challenge Turkey: Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that Israel's plans in the region are not limited to Palestine and Lebanon, and that the country poses a challenge to Turkey.

"Israel is implementing a sneaky plan that is not confined to the Gaza Strip, the West Bank of the Jordan River, and Lebanon. One does not need to be a prophet to see its ultimate goal. Anyone who knows history, the history of religions, politics, and diplomacy, can easily see the connection to Jerusalem, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the illusion of the promised land. We know very well what the Promised Land is. They (the Israeli leadership) are literally entering a race to challenge Turkey. We know this well. The current Israeli administration reveals its true intentions with every statement it makes and with every map it displays," Erdogan declared during a speech in Adana. The broadcast was conducted by local television channels.

He also criticized Israel for declaring UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as persona non grata. "Every time the region approaches a ceasefire, peace, and tranquility, the Israeli government carries out provocations that disrupt these processes. They use all means to spread fire throughout the region, filling it with blood and tears. International law has been completely thrown aside," Erdogan noted.

"Israel shamelessly challenges the UN Secretary-General Guterres, declaring him persona non grata. Who are you to impose something on the UN Secretary-General? Well, now I think the 196 countries of the world will show their support for the UN Secretary-General," Erdogan added.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz declared on October 2 that the entry of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres into the Jewish state was prohibited due to his failure to condemn Iran's attack on Israel.