“The new axis of evil is Turkey, Syria, and Qatar. This is the new Iran,” Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli said at The Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference on Tuesday.
Chikli primarily focused on Turkey and its leader, President Erdogan. He referred to Erdogan’s vision as a “neo-Ottoman vision,” and alleged the Turkish leader wants the Ottoman Empire to flourish once again.
“He’s speaking openly that Jerusalem needs to be part of his empire,” Chikli added. “He speaks openly that we need to annihilate the state of Israel.”
The minister also referred to Erdogan as a “dictator,” a “fanatic Islamist,” and an enemy to “Western civilization.”
“Actually, he’s part of the Muslim Brotherhood,” Chikli continued, commending the United States for its stated intention to ban the Muslim Brotherhood.
European leaders
Addressing the leaders of European countries, specifically France (whose ambassador spoke before him), Chikli said, “I don’t think [Israel] has the support of France, I don’t think that’s the way you treat friends.”
“I am very disappointed by the French government,” Chikli continued. However, he added that he is optimistic “because it is clear that the leaders behind the recognition of the so-called Palestinian state are extremely weak.”
“Macron is the weakest leader in Europe, and right after him is Keir Starmer,” he claimed, adding that he prophesies a “wave, a renaissance of healthy nationalism, patriotism” soon.
When probed about his ties to political figures in Europe believed to be far rRght, Chikli said he doesn’t see them as right-wing but instead as “the normals.”
He cited Spain’s Santiago Abascal (VOX), France’s Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen (National Rally), and the UK’s Reform Party as examples of Israel’s allies, especially given their condemnation of Hamas.
The Jerusalem Post’s editor-in-chief, Zvika Klein, quipped that despite being at a diplomatic conference, Chikli himself was not very diplomatic.
“I am proud of it,” Chikli replied. “I am done with being a hypocrite.”