Diplomats from Israel gradually being reinstated in Turkey following a dispute over Gaza.
After issues with security, Israel is slowly reopening diplomatic channels with Turkey. Sources close to the Israeli government revealed to Middle East Eye this week that they've started sending their diplomats back to Turkey, marking a half-year milestone since they first pulled them out.
"Given the initial departure was due to security concerns, Israel aims to gradually reinstate its diplomatic personnel," an Israeli insider shared with MEE.
A Turkish authority also confirmed the return of Israeli diplomats to their positions.
This move comes after the relationship between the two nations reached an all-time low when Turkey halted trade with Israel altogether earlier this month, demanding an end to the blockade on the Gaza Strip and a ceasefire.
Although peace talks resumed last year and ambassadors were exchanged, the 7 October Hamas-instigated attack on Israel led to a deep rift.
Sign up for our Newsletters
Stay updated on Israel-Palestine, Gaza Strip, and Turkey's stance with Jerusalem Dispatch and Turkey Unpacked, among other MEE newsletters.
Initially, Turkey kept its criticism of Israel's government relatively quiet. However, as the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip worsened, Turkey took a harder stance against Israel, first recalling its ambassador for consultations in November.
Since Turkey's local election losses in March, the Turkish government has intensified its criticism of Israel and taken various actions against the Israeli government.
Turkey also announced this month that it would join South Africa in its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice concerning genocide allegations.
Verbal Spats
The heated exchanges between the Turkish and Israeli leaders have reached boiling point, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labeling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as worse than Nazis, eliciting sharp responses from the Israeli Foreign Minister, Yisrael Katz, who called Erdogan a tyrant, instigator, and liar.
Despite the tense relationship, the Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv and consulate in Jerusalem have remained open, with only the ambassador recalled for consultations.
"So, despite the strained relationship, we'll try our best whilst considering potential risks," the Israeli source explained. "Therefore the return of the diplomats will be gradual and cautious."
Middle East Eye reached out to the Israeli foreign ministry for comment.
- The gradual return of Israeli diplomats to Turkey could be a sign of improving relations between the two countries, which have been strained due to conflicts over security issues, particularly regarding the Gaza Strip and Israel's blockade.
- Given the ongoing tension and heated exchanges between the leaders of Turkey and Israel, the return of diplomats will likely be a cautious process, with both parties considering the potential risks involved.
- In light of the return of Israeli diplomats, it remains to be seen how the general news and politics surrounding Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East will unfold, as this move could have implications for war-and-conflicts and the broader news analysis in the region.
- As Turkey continues to take a harder stance against Israel amidst the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and allegations of genocide, and Israel works towards reopening diplomatic channels, the relationship between the two nations is likely to remain a topic of intense interest and analysis in the international news arena.
