In a significant move reflecting the deteriorating relations between Israel and Turkey, the Israeli government announced on Saturday that it was recalling its diplomats from Turkey for a reassessment of bilateral ties. The decision comes as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to criticize Israel for its actions in the Gaza Strip, even going as far as preparing to label it a "war criminal".

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen declared in a statement, "In light of the escalating rhetoric from Turkey, I have instructed the return of diplomatic representatives from Turkey to reassess Israel-Turkey relations." The announcement follows Erdogan's address to a massive pro-Palestinian rally in Istanbul on Saturday, where he vowed to declare Israel a war criminal and blamed Western countries for failing to curb Israeli attacks in Gaza.

Israel Energy Minister Israel Katz, who is poised to become the foreign minister next year, responded to Erdogan's comments by stating that the Turkish President had "exposed his true face." Katz went on to accuse Erdogan of supporting Hamas-Daesh terror and further added, "Even his kaffiyeh will not cover up the shame."

Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, dismissed Erdogan's rhetoric as he remarked, "A snake will remain a snake." Erdan also branded the Turkish President as an anti-Semite. Meanwhile, participants at the Istanbul rally waved Turkish and Palestinian flags, chanting "God is great," and the musician Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, joined the crowd.

During his speech, Erdogan blamed Western powers for the deaths in Gaza and accused them of creating a "crusade war atmosphere" pitting Christians against Muslims. He called for dialogue and warned Israel of being labeled a war criminal on the world stage. These statements reflect a significant escalation in Erdogan's criticism of Israel, as he previously described Hamas as a liberation group fighting for its land and people.

The strained relationship between Israel and Turkey dates back to the infamous 2010 Israeli commando raid on the Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara ship, leading to the deaths of 10 Turkish activists. The incident caused a plummet in diplomatic ties, with both countries withdrawing their ambassadors in 2018. However, efforts to improve relations were seen in the past year and a half, with a full renewal of diplomatic ties announced in 2020.

Israel's decision to recall its diplomats from Turkey underscores the widening gap between the two nations. It remains to be seen how this move will impact the already fragile relationship and whether the reassessment will pave the way for potential reconciliation or further intensify the ongoing tensions.