Turkey and Israel have imposed trade barriers on each other amidst deteriorating relations due to the war in Gaza. Turkey announced restrictions on exports to Israel of 54 products including aluminum, steel, construction products, jet fuel, and chemical fertilizers. In response, Israel said it would prepare to ban products from Turkey. This escalation came after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan accused Israel of blocking Turkish military cargo planes from delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, leading to vows from Turkey to respond with a series of measures until a cease-fire is declared and aid can flow without interruptions.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government, pressured at home to halt trade with Israel, is accused of engaging in double standards by criticizing Israel while maintaining commercial relations. Erdogan, an outspoken critic of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians since taking office in 2003, has condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as war crimes verging on genocide. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Erdogan of sacrificing Turkey’s economic interests for his support of Hamas, considered a terrorist group by Israel, the U.S., and EU. Katz also reached out to U.S. organizations to stop investing in Turkey and refrain from importing Turkish goods.
The decision to impose trade restrictions on Israel is seen as a move by Erdogan’s ruling party to rally support following setbacks in local elections. Analysts believe that reduced bilateral trade may result, especially if Israel responds with its own trade restrictions. Turkey’s government is willing to risk damaged trade ties for potential gains in domestic political support. In 2023, Turkish exports to Israel totaled $5.4 billion, highlighting the economic impact of the trade barriers.
Turkey and Israel had previously normalized ties with the appointment of ambassadors in 2022 after years of tensions. However, since January, Turkish authorities have detained numerous individuals, including private detectives, on suspicion of spying for Israel, particularly related to Palestinians in Turkey. The strained relations between the two countries mark a significant shift from the brief period of normalization and indicate a deepening of hostilities amidst the conflict in Gaza.
The ongoing trade barriers between Turkey and Israel are part of a broader deterioration in relations, fueled by the conflict in Gaza and longstanding differences over the treatment of Palestinians. The trade restrictions imposed by both countries signal a significant escalation in tensions, with potential implications for their economic ties and diplomatic relations moving forward. As both countries navigate domestic and international pressures, the impact of these trade barriers on their economies and broader geopolitical dynamics remains uncertain. The decisions taken by Turkey and Israel in response to the conflict in Gaza will likely have lasting consequences for their bilateral relationship and regional stability.
