Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad launched a fresh verbal attack on Israel on Wednesday on the eve of a visit to Israel’s close ally Turkey, saying Western countries should not support the Jewish state, Reuters reported from Istanbul.

The comments highlight the difficult path which Turkey, a member of NATO, must follow during the two-day visit which reflects its desire to remain on good terms with its neighbor and secure future energy needs.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan have come under criticism at home and abroad for inviting Ahmadinejad.

Ankara has said his visit was necessary given a standoff between Iran and the West over Tehran’s disputed nuclear enrichment program, but analysts said the visit was more about ensuring centuries-old ties during a period of global tensions.