Israel Turkey

Israeli rhetoric on Turkey is increasingly shaping Ankara's view of tensions over Syria - analysis

After the founding of Israel, Turkey became the first Muslim-majority country to recognize Israel. Israel and Turkey had good relations until the rise of the AKP party in the early 2000s.

Demonstrators hold placards with portraits of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) during a protest.
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as he arrives at the Bestepe Presidential Palace during a formal welcome for the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Trump's message about Turkey goes beyond F-35s, shows new balance in Mediterranean - analysis

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomes US President Donald Trump at Ankara Airport, who is paying an official visit to Turkey ahead of the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7, 2026.

US to lift Turkey sanctions, decide on sale of F-35 fighter jets, Trump says ahead of NATO summit

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul speaks during a statement alongside Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira (out of frame) at the Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia on July 3, 2026

German FM backs Israel after Turkish counterpart’s ‘genocide incitement’ remarks


Turks and Israelis lose out over trade ban - analysis

Analysts attribute Erdoğan’s decision to halt trade with Israel to poor results for his party in local Turkish elections last month.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Turkey imposes export restrictions on Israel over Gaza as tensions rise

"This decision will remain in place until Israel, under its obligations emanating from international law, urgently declares a ceasefire in Gaza and allows the unhindered flow of... aid," Turkey said.

 TURKISH PRESIDENT Recep Tayyip Erdogan leaves a news conference during a NATO leaders summit in Vilnius, last year.

Turkey imposes export restrictions on Israel until Gaza ceasefire

According to a statement, measures would apply to the export of products from 54 different categories, including iron, marble, steel, cement, aluminum, brick, fertilizer, and more.

 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses his supporters following his victory in the second round of the presidential election at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey May 29, 2023.

Turkey charges six people with spying for Israel's Mossad

A Turkish court in January ordered the arrest of 15 people and the deportation of eight others suspected of having links to Mossad and targeting Palestinians living in Turkey.

A Turkish flag, with the New and the Suleymaniye mosques in the background, flies on a passenger ferry in Istanbul, Turkey, April 11, 2019.

Turkey arrests seven accused of selling information to Israel's Mossad

Turkey has previously warned Israel of "serious consequences" if it tries to hunt down members of Hamas living outside Palestinian territories, including in Turkey.

 Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a rally in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Istanbul, Turkey October 28, 2023.

For Erdogan, arrest of Israeli soccer player makes good politics before local elections

Erdogan’s entire, long reign in power has been an effort to come across as the defender and protector of the Palestinians and Jerusalem to gain stature in the Arab and Muslim world.

 Sagiv Yehezkel, an Israeli soccer player on Turkey's Antalyaspor, was fired after showing support for Gaza hostages.

Soccer player detained in Turkey for backing hostages returns to Israel

It was announced on Monday morning that Yehezkel had been released by the Turkish court and was set to be deported from the country. 

 Sagiv Yehezkel, an Israeli soccer player on Turkey's Antalyaspor, was fired after showing support for Gaza hostages.

No chance for peace between Israel, Hamas in Gaza for now - Erdogan

Erdogan also said that he is not losing hope for a lasting peace in the conflict adding that Hamas cannot be excluded from its potential solution.

 Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan delivers a national statement at the World Climate Action Summit during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 1, 2023.

Pro-Palestinian crowds try to storm air base housing US troops in Turkey

Turkey, which has strongly criticized Israel as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsened, supports a two-state solution while hosting members of Hamas.

 Pro-Palestinian demonstrators, part of a convoy coming from several Turkish cities, take part in a protest against the U.S. and Israel near the Incirlik Air Base in the southern city of Adana, Turkey November 5, 2023

Turkey recalls ambassador from Israel amid Gaza war

Despite the return of the ambassador to Turkey, President Erdogan noted that Turkey is not severing diplomatic relations with Israel in full.

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan addresses the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York City, US, September 19, 2023.