Israel–Turkey relations

Türkiye's reconciliation efforts with Israel will in no way diminish Ankara's support for the cause of the Palestinians, the Turkish leader said on Aug. 23. 

A Turkish Consulate employee outside its premises in Jerusalem, August 2022. Photo: EPA-EFE/ATEF SAFADI

The two countries pledged to appoint ambassadors and consul generals, announcement that follows normalisation attempts by both sides in recent months involving high-level visits from senior officials.

Türkiye and Israel announced on Aug. 17 to exchange ambassadors in a bid to fully normalize the relationship after a long period of tension.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over the phone to congratulate him on Eid al-Adha on July 7, during which they also addressed the Türkiye-Israel relations and regional matters, the Turkish presidency has said.

Türkiye and Israel will sign a bilateral aviation agreement in a bid to multiply direct flights and as part of ongoing normalization efforts between the two nations.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid will visit Türkiye next week, his office said on June, days after he urged Israelis to leave that country over threats of attacks by Iranian operatives.

A view of Istanbul. Photo: Pixabay/Sulox32

"We call on Israelis not to fly to Istanbul, and if it is not necessary, do not fly to Turkey," he added. "If you are already in Istanbul, return to Israel as soon as possible… If you planned a flight to Istanbul, cancel … No vacation is worth your life." Lapid told the Israeli parliament.

Turkey and Israel have decided to continue their bid to normalize their relationship through dialogue and technical contacts, particularly in the areas of economy and trade, the two countries' foreign ministers have said, adding a new framework is agreed to be established for the future of the bilateral ties.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on May 5 congratulated his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on his re-election, and emphasized the importance of ties between Ankara and Paris for Europe.

The phone call marked the first interaction between the two leaders since Macron was re-elected on April 24, fending off a serious challenge from his rival Marine Le Pen.

Turkey's top diplomat, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, will go to Israel to hold talks on the normalization of the bilateral ties on May 25, in a first senior-level visit in years.