JERUSALEM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday denied claims by Turkey that Israel was secretly involved in Iraqi Kurdistan's recent referendum.
On Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Israel's Mossad intelligence agency played a role in the Kurdish independence vote.
Speaking to Iraqi Kurds in eastern Turkey, Erdogan claimed that the waving Israeli flags during events celebrating the "yes" vote proves Israel's involvement.
Speaking at the start of Israel's weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Netanyahu sarcastically commented on Erdogan's allegation, saying "I understand why those who support Hamas and want to see the Mossad everywhere that is uncomfortable for them, but Israel had no part in the Kurdish referendum."
Netanyahu, however, noted that Israel feels "sympathy" for the Kurdish people.
He said Israel's sole involvement in the referendum was "the deep, natural sympathy that the people of Israel have had for many years for the Kurdish people and their aspirations."
Israel is the only country to officially support Kurdish independence, a move that Turkey strictly oppose.
Turkey warned it will impose measures against the Kurdish region in the wake of the referendum.
