WHY DON'T THEY KICK TURKEY OUT OF NATO?

Erdogan: 'We must push Israel into a corner'

The President of Turkey urged countries worldwide to act against Israel during the climate summit in Baku. Erdogan is under intense pressure to sever trade relations with Jerusalem.

 

By Shirit Avitan Cohen  

 

Israel Hayom

Nov 13, 2024

 

 

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

 

Turkey's President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressed relations with Israel today (Wednesday) and stated that there should be a complete break in trade relations with the Jewish state. "Undoubtedly, Turkey dealt a hard blow to Israel by halting commercial activities with it," the Turkish president said.

Erdogan made these remarks in a speech at the climate summit in Azerbaijan, adding that "coordinated diplomatic efforts must be used to push Israel into a corner." He noted that it is too soon to determine whether Trump will act to reduce the risk of regional war in the Middle East.

In Israel, officials are downplaying Erdogan's declaration. Political sources say that, contrary to Erdogan's statement, there has been no change in the level of relations between the two countries. They believe Erdogan was referring to the cessation of trade relations, and ultimately, there is no comprehensive severing of ties, evidenced by the fact that diplomatic staff remain in both countries.

 

Erdogan has reiterated similar statements in the past, likely due to mounting pressure on him to completely halt trade with Israel after Turkish traders found alternative routes to transfer goods to the Jewish state. More critically, Erdogan is under substantial pressure to stop the flow of oil from Azerbaijan to Israel, but so far he has refrained from taking that step.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Newsweek reports that Erdogan announced that Turkey has officially severed relations with Israel. "We, as the State and Government of the Republic of Turkey, have cut off relations with Israel. We do not have any relationship with Israel at this point. Period," he said.