Israel has pledged to retaliate against Turkey for breaching trade agreements between the two nations following Ankara’s announcement of trade restrictions in light of the conflict in Gaza.
The Israeli foreign ministry issued a statement accusing Turkey of unilaterally violating trade deals and vowed to take necessary actions in response.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz condemned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s decision, asserting that it prioritizes support for Hamas over the economic interests of the Turkish people.
Katz emphasized Israel’s stance against violence and extortion, promising reciprocal measures that would impact the Turkish economy.
Israel is currently devising an expanded list of products, including steel and cement, to cease importing from Turkey.
Despite once being allies, Israel and Turkey have experienced strained relations over the past 15 years, exacerbated by the recent conflict in Gaza.
Although diplomatic ties were fully restored in 2022, relations have soured since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October.
Erdogan’s defense of Hamas, classified as a terrorist organization by both the European Union and the United States, has further strained relations between the two nations.
