Israel-Turkey Trade War escalates: Katz's response to Turkish Trade Restrictions
Israel to urge pro-Israel entities in the US to halt investments in Turkey, asks American Congress members to examine Turkish violations of boycott laws.
The recent decision by the Turkish Ministry of Trade to halt exports to Israel across 54 categories has sparked a new escalation in tensions between the two nations. This move, announced on Tuesday, encompasses a wide array of goods including iron and steel products, jet fuel, construction equipment, chemicals, and more.
The Turkish Ministry of Trade cited Israel's alleged continuous violation of international law and disregard for the international community as the rationale behind this decision. Specifically, Turkey demands that Israel declare an immediate ceasefire and ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Until these conditions are met, Turkey asserts that its export ban will remain in place.
In response, Israel swiftly declared its intention to retaliate. Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, directed the Economic Division of his ministry to draft an extensive list of Turkish goods to be banned from import. Moreover, Israel plans to lobby various countries, including the United States, to impose punitive measures against Turkey for its actions.
Accusing Turkey of unilaterally violating trade agreements, Israel vows to take all necessary measures to address what it perceives as an affront to its economic interests. Israel's proposed actions include appealing to pro-Israel entities in the US to halt investments in Turkey and urging American Congress members to examine Turkish violations of boycott laws against Israel, potentially resulting in sanctions.
Minister Katz's remarks were particularly pointed, directly implicating Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for sacrificing Turkey's economic well-being in support of what Israel sees as Hamas militants in Gaza. Katz condemned Erdogan's stance, referencing gruesome allegations of violence perpetrated by Hamas.
"Erdogan is once again sacrificing the economic interests of the people of Turkey for his support of the Hamas murderers in Gaza who raped, murdered, and desecrated the bodies of women, girls, adults, and burned children alive," Katz asserted.
Israel's stance reflects a firm refusal to acquiesce to what it perceives as coercion and blackmail tactics by Turkey, promising to respond in kind to any perceived economic threats.
As tensions continue to rise between these two nations, the ramifications of their trade dispute extend beyond bilateral relations, potentially impacting regional dynamics and global alliances.
