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Turkish Communications Director Burhanettin Duran and senior ruling party officials on Monday rejected remarks by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkey, saying the comments reflected political desperation ahead of Israeli elections.

Duran said accusations against Turkey cannot cover up Israel's record in Gaza or its aggressive policies in the region. Katz's open death threats against figures involved in ceasefire and peace talks, he said, show an approach that disregards international law. "Threats, provocations and smear campaigns will not change our country's position in favor of rights and justice," Duran said.

Justice and Development Party (AK Party) spokesman Omer Celik called the statements baseless and said Turkey would not bow to threats, while deputy chairmen Efkan Ala and Mustafa Elitas also criticized the rhetoric, arguing it fuels regional instability and normalizes violence.

Key Takeaways

• Communications Director Duran said Israeli threats and smear campaigns will not alter Turkey's stance on rights and justice.
• AK Party spokesman Celik said Turkey will keep defending the legitimate rights of Palestinians and lasting regional peace.
• Deputy chairmen Ala and Elitas accused the Netanyahu government of using attacks on Turkey to mask domestic political troubles.