In September, YWN-Israel reported that HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef spoke out in an extremely harsh tone regarding Turkey’s new position on Israel, becoming a vehement enemy, working to enlist the international community against Israel. The Rav warned that the words and actions of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan do not go unnoticed by HaKadosh Baruch Hu.

Others also warned, including Rabbi Nir Ben-Artzi, who about six weeks ago traveled to the north to visit Kivrei Tzaddikim, releasing statements at that time that the “destruction in Turkey would soon come”.

There can be no doubt that the Turkish leader now finds himself in a situation, with local leaders calling for assistance from the international community following a major earthquake in eastern Turkey today, 25 Tishrei. Erdogan must now decide between saving as many victims as he can and saving face, as he has verbally scorned Israel in every possible world forum over recent months, but he is aware that few countries have a team that possess the expertise of the IDF Homefront Command’s search & rescue team, as well as the Zaka team, both well seasoned in operating abroad following natural disasters.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz and Defense Minister Ehud Barak have already given the order to offer Turkey any and all assistance, with Ganz instructing the Homefront Command to “gear up” and be prepared to travel on a moment’s notice. Barak has instructed his senior staff to contact Turkey to offer any and all assistance.

Latest reports from Turkey indicate hundreds have been killed in the earthquake.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)