Erdogan made the comments to journalists aboard his plane following visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.
“The government of the Republic of Turkey, under the leadership of Tayyip Erdogan, will not continue or develop relations with Israel,” Erdogan said.
“[Our ruling coalition] is resolute in its decision to cut ties with Israel, and we will maintain this stance in the future as well.”
“We, as the Republic of Turkey and its government, have currently severed all relations with Israel.”
The relationship between Turkey and Israel has long been complex and fluctuating. While Turkey was the first Muslim-majority country to recognize Israel in 1949, tensions have ebbed and flowed over the decades depending on the political dynamics in both countries. Exploring the history provides insight into the nuances underlying the question “does Turkey support Israel?”
Early Positive Relations
In the early years after Israel’s formation, ties between the two countries were relatively warm Turkey recognized Israel’s sovereignty in 1949, and they established official diplomatic relations in 1950. This made Turkey the first Muslim-majority nation to recognize the new Jewish state
During the 1950s to the 1980s Turkey maintained a balanced policy between Israel and its Arab neighbors. This prioritized expanding diplomatic and economic ties with both sides aiming to avoid being pulled into the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Strengthening Bonds in the 1990s
Relations grew even closer in the 1990s, showing the bilateral dynamic was evolving beyond the Palestinian issue. Key agreements in this period formalized cooperation on intelligence sharing, military exercises, trade, and more.
The 1996 Defense Cooperation and Free Trade Agreements were pivotal moments laying the groundwork for expanded collaboration. Bilateral trade exceeded $1 billion by 2000 up from just $304 million in 1994.
Souring Ties Since the 2000s
In the early 2000s, however, tensions began rising again due to violence between Israel and Palestinians during the Second Intifada.
Further strain emerged with the new Justice and Development Party (AKP) government in Turkey under Recep Tayyip Erdogan. While initially seeking positive relations, Erdogan later adopted a more critical stance regarding Israel’s Palestinian policies.
Several events over the next two decades exacerbated tensions:
- Turkish condemnation of Israel’s 2008-2009 war in Gaza
- Erdogan storming off stage at the 2009 Davos summit after an argument with the Israeli president
- The 2010 Gaza flotilla raid by Israel which killed 9 Turkish citizens
- 2017 US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital which Turkey strongly opposed
These crises led to downgrading of diplomatic ties at times. Erdogan also strengthened alignment with Palestinian causes and groups like Hamas.
Economic Cooperation Despite Political Tensions
Interestingly, while political relations deteriorated, economic ties continued expanding. Bilateral trade grew from $1.41 billion in 2002 to $8.91 billion in 2022.
This suggests an intriguing disconnect: political rhetoric remained hostile, but mutual economic interests took priority behind the scenes.
Reconciliation Efforts
In 2016, there were efforts to restore diplomatic relations after one crisis. While a reconciliation deal was reached, political tensions flared again the next year.
In 2022, with encouragement from the US, the two countries agreed to fully normalize relations again. This aimed to strengthen regional cooperation against shared threats like Iran.
New Tensions After October 2024 Attacks
Any détente was short-lived. After the October 2024 attacks in Gaza and Israel’s military response, Turkey-Israel relations soured again.
Erdogan reverted to strong criticism of Israel’s actions, aligning vocally with the Palestinians once more. While not formally cutting ties this time, rhetoric became very inflammatory.
Assessing Turkey’s Stance
Stepping back, it becomes clear bilateral relations have fluctuated significantly over the decades between cooperation and deterioration.
Erdogan has frequently used criticism of Israel to bolster domestic political support. But pragmatism has tempered Turkey’s actual policies.
Overall, the relationship remains complicated. While political rhetoric is often hostile, economic ties continue quietly in the background. This complex dynamic makes a definitive answer elusive to the question “does Turkey support Israel?”
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Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku on November 12 2024 (Alexander Nemenov / AFP) By
Turkey has severed all ties with Israel, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday.
Erdogan made the comments to journalists aboard his plane following visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.
“The government of the Republic of Turkey, under the leadership of Tayyip Erdogan, will not continue or develop relations with Israel,” Erdogan said.
“[Our ruling coalition] is resolute in its decision to cut ties with Israel, and we will maintain this stance in the future as well.”
“We, as the Republic of Turkey and its government, have currently severed all relations with Israel.”
Erdogan says Israel will ‘set sights’ on Turkey | AJ #shorts
FAQ
Does Turkey support Israel or Palestine?
Türkiye supports a negotiated settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the basis of the UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 1397 and 1515, the principle of land for peace, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Road Map that would ensure two states living side by side within secure and recognized borders.
Does Turkey support Iran or Israel?
However, Turkey’s neutral stance with regards to the disputes between Israel and Iran has secured the maintenance of friendly bilateral relations. The growing trade between Turkey and Iran indicates the two countries’ willingness to strengthen mutual ties.
Which country is supporting Israel?
Israel is a member of the United Nations (UN) and a number of other international organisations. Israel maintains full diplomatic relations with two of its Arab neighbours, Egypt and Jordan, after signing peace treaties in 1979 and 1994 respectively.
Which countries don t support Israel?
28 UN member states do not recognize Israel: 15 members of the Arab League (Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen); ten non-Arab members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Indonesia, …
Will Turkey continue relations with Israel?
Erdogan made the comments to journalists aboard his plane following visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan. “The government of the Republic of Turkey, under the leadership of Tayyip Erdogan, will not continue or develop relations with Israel,” Erdogan said.
Does Turkey support Hamas?
However, this support for Hamas has come at a cost for Turkey. Turkey’s frayed relationship with Israel was restored only last year and then, within months of both countries reappointing their ambassadors, the war erupted. Turkey recalled its ambassador, and Israel’s envoy returned out of security concerns.
Does Turkey buy military equipment from Israel?
Turkey purchases high-tech defense equipment from Israel, whereas Turkey supplies Israel with military boots and uniforms. Israeli import of Turkish vegetable products has remained steady since 2007, and imports of prepared foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco doubled from 2007 to 2011.
Does Turkey help fight Israeli fire?
“Turkey Helps Fight Israeli Fire”. WSJ. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 17 April 2016. ^ “Turkey requests foreign quake aid amid lack of tents – Diplomacy – Worldbulletin News”.
Does Turkey agree to repair rift with Israel?
“Turkish parliament approves deal ending rift with Israel”. Reuters. Archived from the original on 23 September 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2016. ^ DPA (31 August 2016). “Erdogan signs deal to repair Turkey’s broken ties with Israel”. EBL News. Archived from the original on 8 November 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2016.