Turkey and Israel are experiencing a deterioration in relations as they engage in trade barriers against each other amid the conflict in Gaza. The Turkish government announced restrictions on exports to Israel, affecting 54 types of products including aluminum, steel, construction products, jet fuel, and chemical fertilizers. In response, Israel announced that it was preparing a ban on products from Turkey. The tensions escalated after Israel barred Turkish military cargo planes from participating in an operation to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, prompting Turkey to vow a series of measures against Israel until a cease-fire is declared.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government suffered setbacks in local elections, is facing pressure at home to halt trade with Israel. Critics accuse Erdogan of engaging in double standards by condemning Israel’s actions while maintaining commercial relations. Erdogan has been a vocal critic of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians since taking office in 2003. He denounced Israel’s military offensive in Gaza as war crimes and “genocide” and defended Hamas as fighting for the liberation of its lands and people. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Erdogan of prioritizing support for Hamas over the economic interests of the Turkish people and called for organizations in the U.S. to stop investing in Turkey.
Domestic considerations play a significant role in Turkey’s decision to impose trade restrictions on Israel, as Erdogan’s ruling party seeks to rally support following electoral defeats. The move is seen as a way to gain domestic political support despite the potential damage to bilateral trade with Israel. Turkish exports to Israel amounted to $5.4 billion in 2023, highlighting the economic impact of the trade barriers. The normalization of ties between Turkey and Israel in 2022 has been challenged by recent tensions, including the detention of individuals suspected of spying for Israel on Palestinians in Turkey.
Since January, Turkish authorities have detained multiple individuals, including private detectives, on suspicions of espionage for Israel, particularly regarding Palestinians living in Turkey. The espionage allegations have further strained the already fragile relationship between Turkey and Israel. The trade barriers and diplomatic tensions reflect the broader conflict in Gaza and the contentious history of the two countries. The situation highlights the challenges in maintaining political and economic relations amid ongoing conflicts and differing perspectives on regional issues. The future of the relationship between Turkey and Israel remains uncertain as both countries navigate the complexities of the conflict in Gaza and the broader Middle East region.
