Turkey stopped all trade with Israel as of Thursday, according to two Turkish officials familiar with the matter, adding to already high-running tensions between the once-close allies over the war in Gaza.
The move expands last month’s restriction on some Turkish exports to Israel, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan steps up criticism of the Jewish state and tries to consolidate support among conservative voters at home.Trade between the 2 countries was worth $6.8 billion in 2023.
Israeli Foreign Minister says Turkey has cut off trade
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, has accused Turkey of cutting off trade with his country.
The unconfirmed move would represent an escalation in the rift between Israel and Turkey over the war in Gaza.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan “is breaking agreements by blocking ports for Israeli imports and exports”, Mr Katz said in a post on X.
“This is how a dictator behaves, disregarding the interests of the Turkish people and businessmen, and ignoring international trade agreements.”
Mr Katz said he had instructed the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to “immediately engage with all relevant parties in the government to create alternatives for trade with Turkey, focusing on local production and imports from other countries”.
“Israel will emerge with a strong and daring economy. We win and they lose,” he said.Turkey has not yet commented on the claims.
Bloomberg quoted two anonymous Turkish officials as confirming the halt in trade.
