Turkey escalates rhetoric against Israel in discussions about expanding boycott, labeled “Marmara 2”

Over the past week, Turkey has implemented unprecedented export restrictions on trade with Israel, and signs from Ankara suggest that this may be just the beginning of more actions to come. The general atmosphere in Turkey against Israel is deteriorating, with calls for the complete severance of trade relations and protests outside government offices in Ankara. Businessmen from both countries are exploring alternative trade routes, but protesters are demanding that these routes be blocked. Discussions are ongoing in Turkey to explore all available options.

The current strained relations between Turkey and Israel raise questions about President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s motives. While initial statements from the Turkish Foreign Minister attributed the restrictions to Israel’s refusal of Turkish humanitarian aid to Gaza, data shows that Turkey is a significant contributor of aid to the region. The deeper reason for Erdogan’s actions may stem from frustration over exclusion from reconstruction projects in Gaza, where tens of billions of dollars are being invested.

The impact of Turkey’s export restrictions on Israel is significant, as a large percentage of Israeli imports such as cement, plastic, and textiles come from Turkey. This disruption has forced Israeli companies to seek alternative production sources in India and China. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and possible upcoming actions from Turkey, such as increased customs duties and export restrictions, pose further challenges to trade relations between the two countries.

The possibility of a flotilla to Gaza led by various international organizations, including Turkey, raises concerns about a potential escalation in tensions. The organizers, including individuals with ties to Hamas, seek to provoke a response. If Ankara allows this provocation to occur, it could lead to a serious incident reminiscent of the Mavi Marmara flotilla in 2010. The situation remains volatile, with both countries facing economic and diplomatic challenges as a result of the ongoing tensions.