Turkiye and Israel Trade Barbs Amid Gaza Conflict
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has further strained relations between Turkiye and Israel, with both countries imposing trade barriers on each other. Turkiye, a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, announced restrictions on the export of 54 types of products to Israel, including aluminum, steel, construction products, jet fuel, and chemical fertilizers. In response, Israel stated that it was preparing a ban on products from Turkiye.
The escalation in tensions comes after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan accused Israel of blocking Turkish military cargo planes from delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. Fidan vowed to respond with a series of measures against Israel until it declares a ceasefire and allows aid to flow uninterrupted.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government, facing pressure at home following setbacks in local elections, is under scrutiny for its commercial relations with Israel. Critics have accused the government of engaging in double standards by condemning Israel’s actions while maintaining lucrative trade ties.
Erdogan, known for his outspoken criticism of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, has described Israel’s actions in Gaza as war crimes verging on genocide. He has also expressed support for the Hamas militant group, considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized Erdogan for prioritizing support for Hamas over the economic interests of the Turkish people. Katz even reached out to organizations in the US, urging them to stop investing in Turkiye and refrain from importing Turkish goods.
Hamish Kinnear, a senior analyst at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft, suggested that domestic politics played a role in Turkiye’s decision to impose trade restrictions on Israel. He noted that Erdogan’s ruling party may be trying to rally support following electoral defeats, even at the cost of damaging trade ties.
The trade dispute between Turkiye and Israel could have significant economic implications. In 2023, Turkish exports to Israel totaled $5.4 billion, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute. The two countries had normalized diplomatic relations in 2022 after years of tensions.
Since January, Turkish authorities have detained several individuals, including private detectives, on suspicion of spying for Israel, particularly on Palestinians living in Turkiye. These incidents have further strained relations between the two nations.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, the trade barriers between Turkiye and Israel highlight the complex interplay between politics, economics, and regional tensions. The decisions made by both countries could have lasting consequences for their bilateral relations and economic ties. It remains to be seen how the situation will evolve and whether efforts will be made to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.