Former Ichilov Spokesman Claims Israeli Doctor Helped Save Erdoğan's Life

Former Hospital Official Makes New Claim

Former Ichilov Hospital spokesman Avi Shoshan said during a Channel 14 panel discussion that Israel once played a direct role in saving the life of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

According to Shoshan, a senior physician from Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital traveled to Turkey after Erdoğan reportedly developed cancer. Shoshan declined to identify the doctor but claimed the physician acted on behalf of the State of Israel.

Claim of Official Israeli Approval

Shoshan alleged that the mission was carried out at the request of the Mossad and with the approval of then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He said the Israeli doctor successfully treated Erdoğan, adding that he had previously declined to confirm the story despite repeated media inquiries.

"Israel saved him," Shoshan said, arguing that Erdoğan is alive today because of the actions of an Israeli physician.

Sharp Criticism of Erdoğan

Shoshan criticized the Turkish president over his repeated hostile rhetoric toward Israel and the Jewish people, saying it was remarkable that someone who now attacks Israel allegedly benefited from Israeli medical assistance.

Previous Reports

Several years ago, Israeli media reported that Erdoğan received medical advice from Prof. Itzhak Shapira, the former deputy director of Ichilov Hospital and head of its medical tourism program. However, the broader claims made by Shoshan regarding a covert life-saving mission have not been independently confirmed.