The Israeli Foreign Ministry has criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for suspending all trade with Israel, stating that his actions violate international trade agreements. This week, Turkey implemented the measure, expanding restrictions on trade with Israel that were first adopted in April.
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. In response to the suspension of trade, Katz instructed the director general of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs to contact relevant parties and create alternatives to trade with Turkey.
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. However, this week’s suspension of all trade negotiations has escalated tensions between the two countries even further.
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. Despite this criticism, Erdogan continues to maintain close ties with Hamas leaders in Gaza.
In response to Turkey’s suspension of trade with Israel, many experts have advised Israeli businesses to focus on strengthening their economy independently and finding new markets for their products. This may involve investing more in local production and imports from other countries. Ultimately, it is up to each individual business owner to decide how best to navigate these challenging times for their company.
