Türkiye could resume trade with Israel ‘if peace is permanent’: Business board

Türkiye could resume trade with Israel “if peace becomes permanent,” Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) Chairman Nail Olpak said on Tuesday.

Trade between Türkiye and Israel, which came to a halt following the Gaza attack, remains banned—including shipments from Turkish ports.

‘Türkiye could restore trade relations with Israel’

Türkiye could restore trade relations with Israel if the recently brokered peace proves permanent, Nail Olpak, head of the DEIK, said Tuesday according to the reports.

Olpak emphasized that the restoration of trade hinges on the stability of the current peace. “If peace is permanent, we could restart trade with Israel,” he stated, reflecting Türkiye’s conditional approach to economic relations with the country.

Speaking at DEIK’s Economic Meeting in Istanbul, Olpak elaborated on the potential trade resumption from a business perspective, stating “if the reason for taking a position is removed, the position can change, and trade relations with Israel could normalize again.”

Türkiye announced last year that it was ending trade with Israel because of the violent attacks it launched in Gaza. A sensitive prisoner swap and ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel went into effect this weekend.

Background of Ankara’s trade ban on Israel

Türkiye had imposed export restrictions on Israel at the direct command of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May 2024. The Ministry of Trade officially took action. To date, Israel has not implemented any of the resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the U.N. General Assembly, the U.N. Human Rights Council, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The May 2024 trade restrictions took place amid broader global economic challenges, with DEIK reporting a significant slowdown in global trade momentum throughout 2024.

These resolutions obliged Israel to reach a ceasefire and allow the uninterrupted provision of all essential humanitarian assistance, including medical supplies and health care, to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

These resolutions, in particular those of the UNSC and the ICJ, are legally binding.

Türkiye has announced that it will follow the implementation of these resolutions. In this regard, Türkiye has decided to restrict exports of certain product groups to Israel as of April 9, 2024.

Türkiye has not and will not permit the sale of any goods or services to Israel for military use. Türkiye called on the international community to take the necessary steps to ensure that Israel complies with these obligations.

15 answered FAQs on Türkiye’s trade prohibition with Israel

Türkiye’s Minister of Trade released a press statement recently explaining the trade embargo on Israel and addressing 15 frequently asked questions.

1. Did trade with Israel continue after Oct. 7, 2023?

Trade between Türkiye and Israel dropped significantly, with exports falling by 30% and imports by 43.4%. By May 2, 2024, all trade was completely halted.

2. Is Free Trade Agreement still active?

While technically in effect, the agreement remains inactive because of the trade ban.

3. Do Turkish ships dock at Israeli ports?

Most goods to Palestine must pass through Israeli-controlled Haifa and Ashdod. A special Türkiye-Palestine mechanism ensures shipments are verified.

4. Are ships rerouting to Israel after declaring another destination?

Türkiye monitors and intervenes to prevent abuse in its maritime zones.

5. Is there indirect trade with Israel via neighboring countries?

No irregularities suggest such activity; trade trends are consistent globally.

6. Why send goods like steel or cosmetics to Palestine during the war?

Palestine requires essentials like cleaning products and construction materials. Palestinian authorities closely monitored and approved trade.

7. Are Israeli cargo ships allowed at Turkish ports?

No Israeli goods or ships are permitted unless part of the Türkiye-Palestine mechanism.

8. Does trade data show ongoing activity with Israel?

Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) data confirms there has been no trade since May 2024.

9. Does Israel claim trade continues with Türkiye?

Trade is limited to Palestinian goods via Israeli customs.

10. How did Israel react to the ban?

Israel criticized Türkiye’s decision and filed complaints about the OECD.

11. Is oil being sent to Israel through Türkiye?

Claims of oil shipments are baseless, according to the Ministry of Energy and National Resources.

12. Why has trade with Palestine increased?

The rise is because of statistical effects, but it remains below prior levels.

13. Did Türkiye export jet fuel to Israel?

No. Pre-war claims involve refueling Israeli tourist planes before Oct. 7, 2023.

14. Were explosives exported to Israel?

Türkiye has banned defense-related exports to Israel, even before Oct. 7.

15. How are goods reaching Palestine despite Israeli restrictions?

Deliveries to the West Bank continue under international agreements, though Gaza remains blocked.