Turkey has not engaged in state-level cooperation with Israel since October 7, 2023, when the situation in the Gaza Strip escalated sharply. Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat stated that attempts to pressure Turkey with accusations of continuing trade with Israel are aimed at discrediting Ankara, and Israeli intelligence may be involved.
"Bilateral trade with Israel had fallen by 33 percent from October 7 to March 20. The government, state institutions, and state-owned companies do not conduct any trade with Israel. We recognize the State of Palestine and its authorities," Bolat said speaking on 24TV.
Bolat accused "fake accounts of fringe political elements and terrorist organizations" of spreading false information to discredit the Turkish government by claiming that it continues to trade with Israel. He alleged that Israeli intelligence is supporting these efforts.
Bolat dismissed reports that Turkey is supplying weapons and ammunition to Israel, claiming that the items in question are actually fishing harpoons and lighter gas. Several news sources had previously cited data from Turkey's national statistics institute claiming that Turkey was cooperating with Israel by supplying it with arms, ammunition, gunpowder, and other explosives. Both the Defense and Trade Ministries denied these reports, calling them "manipulation to mislead public opinion."
Turkish authorities have repeatedly condemned Israel, accusing it of committing war crimes in Gaza and demanding that it be held accountable by the UN international court. Ankara has also expressed its readiness to assume the role of guarantor in the settlement of the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
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Based on materials from TASS