JERUSALEM (VINnews) Tensions between Israel and Turkey escalated this weekend, as leaders from both nations exchanged pointed accusations, amid a deepening geopolitical rift centred on the ongoing war in Gaza and regional influence in Syria.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that if negotiations between the United States and Iran were not taking place, his country would “show Israel its place.”

“On the day of the ceasefire, Israel killed hundreds of innocent Lebanese people. Netanyahu is blinded by blood and hatred. Had Pakistan not been mediating in the war between the US and Iran, we would have shown Israel its place,” Erdogan said in a speech at a political event in Turkey.

Erdogan added: “Just as we entered Libya and Karabakh, we can enter Israel. There is no reason not to do it. It will require strength and unity.”

On Saturday, Netanyahu leveled sharp criticism at Erdogan and claimed he was persecuting Kurds in the eastern part of the country.

Turkey responded to Netanyahu’s accusations with officials in Ankara described Netanyahu as the “Hitler of the era,” citing Israel’s military actions in Gaza and across the region.

“Netanyahu’s current objective is to undermine ongoing peace negotiations and continue his expansionist policies in the region. Failing this, he risks being tried in his own country and is likely to be sentenced to imprisonment,” the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The ministry also said that an arrest warrant has been issued against Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

“Under Netanyahu’s administration, Israel is facing proceedings before the International Court of Justice on charges of genocide,” the statement said.