Tensions between Türkiye and Israel are at their peak, Erdogan ends all relations
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday that Turkey has severed all ties with Israel. He made this statement while talking to reporters on his plane after a visit to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan. Erdogan said, “The government of the Republic of Turkey, under my leadership, will not continue any kind of relationship with Israel and we will remain firm on our stance.”
Turkey had called back its ambassador
Although Turkey imposed trade sanctions on Israel in May, Turkey’s diplomatic missions are still open and operating in Tel Aviv. Last year, Turkey also recalled its ambassador, while Israel vacated its embassy in Ankara for security reasons.
Erdogan also said that Turkey would take every possible step to hold Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accountable for the acts committed in Gaza. Turkey has intervened in the genocide case going on against Israel in the International Court of Justice this year and has also advocated an arms embargo on Israel.
In November, Turkey launched an initiative at the United Nations to stop the supply of arms and ammunition to Israel, which has been supported by 52 countries and two international organizations. Erdogan said he had presented the initiative to the President and Secretary-General of the UN Security Council, and invited all Arab League members to sign the letter at a summit held in Riyadh.
Deterioration in Turkey-Israel relations
Turkey and Israel’s relations have deteriorated since the meeting between Erdogan and Netanyahu in New York last year, which was considered a symbol of reconciliation between the two countries. But Turkey has strongly criticized the Netanyahu government after Hamas’ attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and Israel’s subsequent retaliation on Gaza, which killed more than 43,000 Palestinians.
Turkey further tightened legal and trade sanctions on Israel after Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) faced criticism for its weak response to recent local elections.
