Israel has denied claims made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan that diplomatic relations between the two countries had ended. Israeli officials quickly rejected this assertion. Further, they maintained that its diplomatic ties with Turkey remain in place, and there have been no formal changes in their relations. The disagreement comes amid rising tensions over issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional diplomacy.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry Denies Diplomatic Change
On November 13, 2024, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made headlines by claiming that Turkey had severed all diplomatic relations with Israel. Speaking to reporters aboard a plane en-route to Ankara, Erdogan declared, “We, as the State and Government of the Republic of Turkey, have cut off relations with Israel. We do not have any relationship with Israel at this point.”
In response to Erdogan’s statement, Israel’s Foreign Ministry swiftly denied any shift in relations. A ministry spokesperson said, “We are not aware of a change in the status of relations with Turkey.” Furthermore, reports indicated that both countries’ embassies remained operational, with Turkey’s mission in Israeli country functioning as usual and Israel’s diplomatic mission in Ankara also staying open.
Why Is Erdogan’s Stance Against Israel Growing More Hostile?
Erdogan’s rhetoric toward Israel has become increasingly harsh, especially since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas. In May 2024, Erdogan referred to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as a “vampire,” and later condemned Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in Gaza. His government has also expressed vocal support for Hamas, which has further strained relations of both countries.
Ongoing Diplomatic and Business Ties
Despite Erdoğan’s political rhetoric, some commercial ties between both the countries continue. For example, the Dorad Energy power station in Israel, partially owned by a Turkish company, remains a supplier to the Israeli Defense Forces. This ongoing business deal highlights the complexity of Israel-Turkey relations, which blend diplomatic tension with economic interdependence.
Future of Israel-Turkey Relations
While Erdoğan’s comments signal heightened political tensions, the functional embassies and business dealings suggest that diplomatic relations have not entirely broken down. It remains to be seen whether Erdoğan’s aggressive stance will lead to further diplomatic isolation or whether pragmatism will prevail in future dealings.
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