The recent step by Turkey, which cut trade cooperation with Israel, made a significant impact on the geopolitical environment worldwide. The mentioned step was an answer to the war in Gaza and Israel’s “unwillingness to compromise” about the local crisis’s humanitarian component . Since Turkey and Israel have strong trading relationships, the current case is the first conflict-triggered ending of such cooperation.
The described step has recently become the beginning of a new era and the interconnectedness of states with controversial relations. Therefore, as the situation in Gaza remains dangerous and violent, the impact of the mentioned observation will obviously be huge.
Contents
Background of Turkey-Israel Relations
Turkey and Israel’s relations date back to March 1949 when Turkey became the first predominantly Muslim inferred state to recognize Israeli sovereignty. In the context of the 1950s, Turkey and Israel’s national security fit together and collaborated in a variety of collaborations that lasted for decades. Regarding both nations’ economies, the corresponding leap took place following the late 1990s. A trade contract was signed with Israel in 1992 in the sum of $ 200 million and in 2006, the trade volume totaled $ 2.6 billion.
In the following sectors, the countries were strengthened: defense, technologies, agriculture, etc. . However, the break was identified in the mid-2000s when the prime minister’s foreign direction began bothering his people more and more. For example, the leader of Turkey Trotsky more and more criticized Israel’s policies against Palestine and Israeli military against Gaza . Therefore, in 2010, during the Gaza flotilla raid-reactant’s Israeli commandos conducted a series of military actions in regards to a zeusslot Turkish ship carrying nine Turkish citizens.
Which caused major scandal, and both ministers faced numerous disputes . Over the years, Ankara’s position regarding the Israeli president’s policies towards the West Bank and Gaza and political changes appears even sharper. Public support for Hamas made it possible to weaken diplomatic ties, and taking into account geointermatic factors in recent years, Turkey decided to cut trade ties with Israel amid the aggravation of the Gaza conflict.
Turkey’s Reasons for Cutting Trade Relations
The primary reason for Turkey’s decision to end trade relations with Israel is their fierce stance over the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Turkey has repeatedly criticized the Israeli treatment of the Palestinians and condemned military operations in the Gaza strip. The Turkish government has expressed deep concern over the current situation in Gaza, particularly in the south, in Rafah, where Israel has threatened to launch a new offensive.
In response to Israel’s “stubborn stance”, as described by Turkey’s Trade Minister Omer Bolat, the country has ceased all exports and imports, ultimately severing trade ties worth $7 billion annually . Furthermore, the need to please the domestic constituency also pressured Turkey to cut trade relations with Israel. The Turkish public had always been supportive of the Palestinians, actively participating in protests and rallies . Therefore, the trade ban was a move dictated by public opinion, which expressed its outrage over the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza .
Additionally, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has used the situation to his advantage, allowing him to boost his rating and Turkey’s role in the region. In conclusion, Turkey’s decision to end trade relations with Israel was based on its fierce stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Gaza humanitarian crisis. The move was somewhat dictated by internal politics and external pressure, namely Turkey’s desire to assert its dominance in the Middle East.
Impact on Trade and Economy
Therefore, the decision to terminate trade between Turkey and Israel is significant for regional economy and trade ties. Thus, in 2022, the two countries’ total trade turnover amounted to $7 billion, including top-20 of Turkish exports destinations . The most impacted industries would include steel, vehicles, plastics, electrical equipment, and machinery. For Turkey, the decision may exert considerable counterpressure on the economy driven by exports, particularly automotive, textile, and manufacturing.
Given that Israel is a principal partner for trade, businesses might need to redirect exports to other markets to reduce the negative economic implications of the trade termination . In parallel, the industries in Israel that depend on Turkish imports, particularly construction and energy, are likely to be disrupted. Israel may need to search for other suppliers and adjust its importing strategy due to increased costs and possible shortages . Finally, there are regional implications in the Eastern Mediterranean since Turkey and Israel have extensive economic interests in the area.
The development might complicate energy efforts and negotiations and affect regional cooperation and stability . Therefore, the decision to terminate bilateral trade relation between Turkey and Israel is significant for both countries and their economic partnership.
International Reactions and Implications
Turkey’s decision to end trade relations with Israel has prompted responses from the international community. Several countries and organizations have supported Turkey’s move, while others have expressed concern about the outcome. The US, as Israel’s closest ally, has emphasized the need for de-escalation and a ceasefire in Gaza. Although the US recognizes Turkey’s concerns about the humanitarian crisis, the US has emphasized the need to take into account both Israeli security and the rights of Palestinians .
The European Union called on all parties to show restraint in the Gaza conflict. Representatives of the Arab states have also expressed their opinion. Qatar and Kuwait have supported their decision, while Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have remained more neutral . The different opinions expressed by the Arab nations underscore the highly political and multi-faceted nature of international relations in the region. Implications for regional and global stability are also expected.
Escalations could further undermine efforts to address Palestinian independence by inflaming Turkish-Israeli tensions. It could also broaden geopolitical divisions at regional and local levels, affecting cooperative measures in trade and energy areas. In general, the international reaction to Turkey’s action highlights the complex nature of the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, as well as the precarious balance involved in ensuring all stakeholders’ and nations’ interests and maintaining peace.
Potential Future Scenarios
The future of Turkey’s trade relations with Israel remains uncertain, and potential scenarios will become clearer as events unfold. On the one hand, the situation may deteriorate further if the conflict in Gaza continues and Israel’s military operations there persist. In this case, Turkey may respond by introducing more severe measures such as sanctions or recalling the countries’ respective diplomatic staff, for example.
On the other hand, diplomatic solutions are also possible, especially if the international community exerts more pressure on Israel and Palestine to negotiate. In this case, Turkey may use negotiations to secure relief for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza in exchange for a resumption of trade. For the latter to happen, a ceasefire in Gaza, some lifting of the blockade, and the improvement of the Palestinians’ humanitarian situation would most likely be necessary.
Similarly, Israel would have to show its commitment to productive dialogue and its willingness to negotiate Turkey’s concerns over the Palestinians. Ultimately, the issue will be settled by the choices and actions of the parties involved, as well as by the broader geopolitical situation in which these events take place.
