The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for blocking the country’s ports for Israeli imports and exports, stating that his attitude violates international trade agreements. Turkey implemented the measure this week, expanding restrictions on trade with Israel that Ankara had adopted on April 9. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz condemned Erdogan’s actions, calling him a dictator who disregards the interests of the Turkish people and international trade agreements. Katz instructed the director general of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs to contact relevant parties to create alternatives to trade with Turkey, focusing on local production and imports from other countries.
Last month, Turkey announced restrictions on exports of 54 product categories to Israel until a ceasefire is reached in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Ankara also demanded increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and accused Israel of blocking aid deliveries. The trade boycott has now escalated to a complete suspension of trade with Israel, with all export and import negotiations suspended. The Turkish Commerce Ministry stated that the new measure will be implemented firmly until Israel allows an uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Erdogan has been vocal in his criticism of Israel, comparing their actions in Gaza to the Holocaust and drawing parallels between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Adolf Hitler. The ongoing tensions between the two countries have escalated with Turkey’s trade restrictions, prompting Israel to seek alternatives and focus on strengthening its economy independently.