President Erdoğan referred to Israel as a “Zionist terrorist organization” in response to its actions in Gaza, warning that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ambitions go beyond Palestinian territories and may pose a threat to other regional countries, including Türkiye.
The concept of the “Promised Land” is integral to Zionist ideology, often linked with modern-day Israel and neighboring regions. Some extremist Zionists believe this land was divinely promised to them, and for centuries, this idea has shaped Zionist identity, serving as both a spiritual and historical foundation. It has also been used to justify violence against civilians in Israel and its surroundings, including military operations.
The emergence of Zionism in the late 19th century marked a pivotal moment in pursuing this ideal. Today, the notion of the Promised Land continues to influence Israeli society and political debates, especially regarding territorial claims and national identity. This concept has become a central theme in Netanyahu’s rhetoric, energizing his Zionist supporters both domestically and abroad.
Since October 7 of last year, Netanyahu has frequently justified the Gaza conflict as a rightful cause, arguing that the Palestinian territories are “promised” to Israel, and often citing the Torah as evidence.
At the U.N. General Assembly last month, Netanyahu dramatically presented a map labeled “The Curse,” showing a stretch of land from Lebanon to Iran’s eastern border and Syria’s northern border with Türkiye shaded in black. Another map he later displayed excluded the West Bank and Gaza Strip, portraying all the land as part of Israel, a depiction Palestinians view as a clear declaration of Israel’s intentions.
