Jerusalem is inviolable for Muslims, and ignoring that would have serious consequences, said Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday over reports that U.S. President Donald Trump could decide to recognize the city as Israel's capital, APA reported citing Anadolu Agency.
"Mr. Trump, Jerusalem is a red line for Muslims," Erdogan told a parliamentary group meeting of his ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party.
"We are imploring the U.S. once again. You cannot take this kind of step."
Erdogan also warned that if the U.S. does so, Turkey could cut off diplomatic ties with Israel.
"If you take this kind of step, we will convene an Islamic cooperation summit in Istanbul," he added.
The U.S. media has said Trump is considering relocating the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and the formal recognition of the city as Israel’s capital.
Jerusalem remains at the core of the perennial Israel-Palestine conflict, as Palestinians want Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state.
On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly promised to relocate the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem.
Erdogan also touched upon the Reza Zarrab case, calling it ‘a plot’ against Turkey.
“The Reza Zarrab case in the U.S. is a game which has with nothing to do with the law. Everything presented, including the so-called evidence, is all part of the mise en scene. Corruption is not at the center of this case. The U.S. own companies overcame their Iran sanctions, yet they are not aware of this,” said Erdogan.
“This case is a reflection of the internal conflict of America’s domestic politics. Those who want to judge us for our trade with Iran aim to conceal their intentions to establish a terror state within our borders,” he added.
Turkish-Iranian businessman Reza Zarrab was arrested in the U.S. last year on fraud and Iran sanctions-related charges.
The Turkish government believes Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) is linked to the court case. The judge presiding over the case has proven links to FETÖ, and the alleged proof comprises of illegally obtained and fabricated evidence, including wiretap records by FETÖ-affiliated police officers.
Turkey’s leader also accused the U.S. of supporting terrorist groups in Syria
“We will not allow the U.S. to establish a terror state near our borders. The game was to conceal the PYD, YPG and PKK as the SDF. Where will the weapons provided be used? Daesh has been eliminated. Who will the weapons be used against?” said Erdogan
“We can see that there is a terror corridor trying to be established in northern Syria. When it’s a matter of national security and sovereignty, the rest are details. Turkey will very soon completely destroy the threats in Syria,” he added.
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