Devlet Bahçeli, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s far-right ally, on Friday called for Israel to be “stopped by force,” following Israeli airstrikes on Iran that targeted nuclear and military sites.
Bahçeli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and an indispensable partner of President Erdoğan, issued a lengthy statement published on the MHP’s X account, accusing Israel of crimes against humanity and claiming the strikes were part of a broader plan to destabilize the region and ultimately target Turkey.
He described Israel as a “machine of ignorance and murder” and said the current crisis marked the collapse of international law and diplomacy.
“The so-called ‘Rising Lion’ attack carried out last night under the pretext of targeting Iran’s nuclear program has once again exposed Israel’s vandalistic and bloodthirsty face,” Bahçeli said, referring to the airstrikes that reportedly killed Iranian military officials and scientists.
He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of orchestrating the strikes to deflect attention from domestic political pressures and warned that the attack was not just aimed at Iran but also sent a “covert message to Turkey.”
“Stopping Israel is a historic responsibility for both our national security and regional peace,” Bahçeli said.
The MHP leader claimed that Israel’s actions in Gaza amounted to one of the “most tragic genocides in history” and alleged that the strikes on Iran were a continuation of “Zionist and imperialist barbarism.”
Bahçeli, known for his hardline rhetoric, rejected calls for diplomacy and condemned what he described as the “feeble and futile condemnations” of Israel by the international community.
“The time for words has passed,” he said. “There is no other option left.”
He also claimed Israel was carrying out “covert operations under the guise of sabotage and assassination” across the region, citing past strikes in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and Iran.
Bahçeli alleged that the ultimate target of this regional instability was Turkey and its vision of a “Turkish Century,” a term used by Erdoğan’s government to frame its long-term national ambitions.
Iran reported 78 deaths and over 320 injuries in the strikes, including both civilians and military personnel.
Following the Israeli onslaught, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed the United Nations, calling Israel’s actions a “declaration of war” and demanding accountability for what he called violations of international law.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Israel to expect “severe punishment,” calling the strikes a “crime.”
Iranian officials confirmed the launch of “Operation True Promise III,” deploying hundreds of missiles and drones in retaliation, causing at least three deaths and multiple injuries.
MHP leader Bahçeli also warned the United States to “take the right side of history,” pointing to planned nationwide protests against Israel in several American states on Saturday.
The MHP, which holds seats in Turkey’s parliament and plays a key role in Erdoğan’s alliance, has repeatedly positioned itself as a defender of national sovereignty and regional assertiveness.
Its latest statement marks one of the strongest calls by a government-aligned Turkish party for direct confrontation with Israel.