Turkey, Israel Swap Trade Threats With Gaza Tension Rising
- Shipments of 54 items banned until cease-fire is agreed
- Erdogan has faced criticism for maintaining ties with Israel
Turkey’s decision to restrict exports to Israel for opposing its proposal to drop aid over the Gaza Strip drew a swift retaliatory response, further straining already tense relations between the one-time military allies.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, facing growing criticism at home for maintaining trade ties with Israel amid its ongoing war on Hamas, on Tuesday imposed restrictions on the export of dozens of items to the Jewish state. Israel’s foreign minister answered with a threat to block the import of other Turkish products.