Israel has begun sending back its diplomats to Turkey following a six-month withdrawal due to security concerns. The move comes as Ankara halted trade with Israel and demanded aid for Gaza and a ceasefire after a Hamas-led attack in early October. Although relations between the two nations normalized last year, tensions heightened following the attack.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu escalated into insults, leading to shouting matches between officials. Despite the strained relations, Turkey’s diplomatic representation in Israel remains unchanged, with only the ambassador recalled for consultations.
Following significant losses in local elections, Turkey has intensified criticism against Israel and announced participation in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice earlier this month.
Despite the tense situation, both Israel and Turkey are making efforts to restore diplomatic relations cautiously. The return of diplomats will be gradual as both countries navigate the risks involved. Stay informed with MEE’s newsletters for the latest updates on this developing story.\
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