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Israel’s Foreign Ministry denied a change in its diplomatic relationship with Turkey on Wednesday, just hours after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan claimed that he had cut all ties with Jerusalem.

What’s the deal: According to the Turkish News outlet “Medya Ege,” Turkish President Recep Erdogan told a reporter on a flight heading back to Turkey, “We, as the State and Government of the Republic of Turkey, have cut off relations with Israel. We do not have any relationship with Israel at this point. Period.”

Is this legit?: Despite Erdogan’s reported statements, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said they were unaware of any changes to its diplomatic relations with Turkey. As of now, Israel’s embassy in Turkey is operating as usual.

This all comes amid escalating criticism from President Erdogan toward Israel, particularly over its policies toward Palestinians and actions in Gaza. Erdogan has frequently used strong language to condemn Israeli leadership, notably referring to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “vampire” and accusing Israel of treating Gaza as an “open-air prison.” He has also framed Palestinian actions as legitimate resistance against what he sees as systemic oppression by Israel.

Israel has often downplayed Erdogan’s rhetoric while maintaining diplomatic and economic ties where feasible; for instance, some Turkish companies continue to supply energy to Israeli military facilities. In addition, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Erdogan of being one of “Hamas’s biggest supporters,” warning that “he [should] not preach morality to us.”