Erdogan compares Netanyahu to Hitler, accuses Israel of genocide

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday accused Israel of "state terrorism" and compared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler, saying the Israeli leader had "surpassed him in cruelty."

"Iran’s right to defend itself against Israeli banditry and state terrorism is legitimate," Erdogan told lawmakers from his ruling AK Party, according to the Anadolu news agency.

He accused Israel of aggressive actions across the region, including in Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, and said Turkey was doing everything possible to stop what he called "inhumane aggression."

Erdogan criticized international institutions, including the United Nations, for remaining silent in the face of Israel’s actions, and said some countries were even supporting what he described as banditry.

He also said Ankara was preparing for all possible scenarios and called on countries in the region, including Iran, to learn from the unfolding crisis.