Turkey's ongoing trade with Israel, despite the latter's actions in Gaza, has been a point of contention affecting the political landscape. President Erdogan's administration, which has been critical of Israel's military operations, chose not to sever trade relations. This decision, as reported by Ragip Soylu and sparked by @metcihan's exposé, has led to criticism and protests, particularly affecting the AKP's performance in the recent local elections. The issue, while not the sole reason, contributed to conservative voters either abstaining from voting or switching allegiances, leading to a significant political setback for Erdogan. The bilateral trade between the two countries has seen a 33 percent decrease since October 7, yet continues. Erdogan has acknowledged the public's discontent, suggesting a potential policy shift regarding Israel might be necessary.
"As Erdogan said, Turkey may need to adjust his policy regarding Israel as he is complaining about being unfairly judged by the wider public... This could result in a need to better inspect trade with Israel in the coming weeks" ✍️Opinion by Ragip Soylu https://t.co/SNDMGjtSiU
Last weekend’s elections in Turkey offer the first glimpse of a political future beyond the reigning strongman. https://t.co/GcD69wXnDR
Erdogan might want to consider changing his Gaza policy or risk seeing the broad AKP coalition unravel https://t.co/LT7rtRwgrZ
Last weekend’s elections offer a first glimpse of a political future beyond the reigning strongman, write @stevenacook and @SinanCiddi for @ForeignPolicy. https://t.co/vpvhaxi1DX
Although bilateral trade between Turkey and Israel has dropped by 33 percent since 7 October, it has nonetheless continued ✍️ Opinion by Ragip Soylu https://t.co/T77LB95jzy
"As Erdogan said, the government may need to adjust his policy regarding Israel as he is complaining about being unfairly judged by the wider public" ✍️ Opinion by Ragip Soylu https://t.co/SwOqMEtdv7
Erdogan was at the leading edge of electoral authoritarianism but now confronts the most serious rebuke of his political career, @stevenacook and @SinanCiddi write. https://t.co/GcD69wXnDR
"On the issue of trade, Ankara doesn’t believe in collectively punishing Israeli society by cutting ties altogether, which would also negatively affect Palestinians in the occupied territories" ✍️ Opinion by Ragip Soylu https://t.co/8KXFXGWJNv
"While Turkey’s continuing trade with Israel was not the biggest issue prompting conservative voters to stay home or switch parties, it was a factor among others" ✍️ Opinion by Ragip Soylu https://t.co/cYzzBQ9Qwl
Here is my latest: How Erdogan’s Israel policy backfired during the local elections and contributed to his defeat • Among others, @metcihan’s exposé on Turkish - Israeli trade triggered a wave criticism and protests https://t.co/VHbeY0I6dn
"Although Turkey has been critical of Israel's war on Gaza, its failure to cut trade ties might have cost the AKP key votes" ✍️ Opinion by Ragip Soylu https://t.co/OOgZgPwSML