Is Türkiye’s trade ban with Israel being breached?
An overview of the Haifa Port in Haifa, Israel, July 24, 2022. (Reuters Photo)
Trade between Türkiye and Israel, which came to a halt following the Gaza attack, remains banned – including shipments from Turkish ports.
However, reports suggest that some Turkish companies are circumventing the ban by routing goods to Israel through Greece and Romania.
While Türkiye’s trade embargo strictly prevents any commercial activities that could strengthen Israel’s military capabilities, concerns have been raised about potential breaches in non-military sectors.
According to information obtained by Türkiye Today, Israeli companies have reportedly been pressuring Turkish counterparts to use routes through countries like Greece and Romania to circumvent the embargo.
Meanwhile, speaking to Turkish publication Sozcu, opposition Good Party (IYI Party) lawmaker Turhan Comez highlighted these issues, stating that ships leaving Türkiye might be altering their routes or rerouting shipments through Greek and Romanian ports to reach Israel.
Comez also emphasized that the government’s trade ban is being undermined by these alternative routes, raising serious suspicions.
Pressure on Turkish companies
On the other hand, it was revealed that Israeli companies were pressuring Turkish companies to use alternative routes.
According to the information obtained by Türkiye Today, at a trade expo in Germany’s Koln, Israeli companies are pressuring some Turkish companies to send the same products through parallel companies in Greece this time.
Meanwhile, Turkish companies rejected this offer.
Background of trade ban
Türkiye had imposed export restrictions on Israel at the direct command of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May. 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).
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.
This decision will remain in force until Israel declares an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.
Türkiye has not and will not permit the sale of any goods or services to Israel for military use.
Türkiye calls on the international community to take the necessary steps to ensure that Israel complies with these obligations.
Meanwhile, Trade Minister Omer Bolat responded to the allegations that the trade bans had been breached in a statement on his social media account, saying that the allegations were fabricated.
