The display was reportedly part of a symbolic protest in support of Gaza civilians amid a fragile ceasefire
An effigy resembling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was seen hanging from a construction crane in northeastern Türkiye, sparking outrage in Israel.
According to Turkish media, the incident occurred at a construction site in the Black Sea city of Trabzon on Saturday. It was reportedly organized by Kemal Saglam, a professor of visual communication at a local university. Saglam told local outlets that the act was symbolic and meant to draw attention to human rights violations in Gaza.
Images which went viral and which were also published by the Turkish daily Yeni Safak show the figure suspended from a crane, with a banner reading: “Death penalty for Netanyahu.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry, writing on X, posted a video of the incident, claiming that a Turkish academic created the effigy “with the proud support of a state company.” The ministry condemned the display, saying the “Turkish authorities have not denounced this shameful behavior.”
Turkish academic creates model of hanged 🇮🇱PM Netanyahu, with a “Death Penalty” sign. Proudly aided by a state company.Turkish authorities have not disavowed this disgraceful behavior.In Erdoğan’s Turkey, hatred & antisemitism isn’t condemned. It’s celebrated. pic.twitter.com/19MALpzEEW
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 26, 2025
Turkish officials have yet to issue a formal response.
Diplomatic relations between Israel and Türkiye have been strained for years and worsened after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Netanyahu of committing “genocide” in Gaza.
Türkiye has been actively involved in recent ceasefire and hostage negotiations, with several reports indicating that Ankara’s influence over Hamas helped facilitate the release of hostages as part of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan.
Erdogan told reporters on Friday that the US should do more to put pressure on Israel, including sanctions and arms sales bans, to abide by its commitments in the Trump plan.
On Sunday, Netanyahu said Israel would decide which foreign forces can take part in a proposed international mission in Gaza to help secure a ceasefire under Trump’s plan. Last week, he hinted that he would oppose any role for Turkish security forces in Gaza.
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