Contrary to Ankara’s political rhetoric on the war in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza, Turkish exports to Israel rose by 34.8 percent last month, according to official figures, as the country’s trade relations with Tel Aviv come under scrutiny.
Israel began pounding Gaza after Hamas militants carried out an unprecedented attack in the country on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostage. Israeli airstrikes and ground attacks on Gaza have so far claimed the lives of more than 22,000 people, according to the local authorities, in addition to leading to vast destruction in the enclave.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on Tuesday that the country recorded $255.81 billion in exports last year, marking a 0.6 percent increase from the previous year.
According to İbrahim Kahveci, a columnist from the Karar news website, citing official figures, the rise in exports includes a notable 34.8 percent increase in trade with Israel from November to December 2023.
Kahveci pointed out that in December, Turkey’s exports to Israel skyrocketed to $430.6 million, a substantial 34.8 percent increase from $319.5 million in November, surpassing even the pre-October 7 attack level of $408.3 million.
This increase is particularly striking in light of the Turkish government’s critical stance toward Israel during the offensive in Gaza.
President Erdoğan has been vocal in condemnation of Israel, labeling it a “terrorist state.” Despite this, the data reveal that country’s exports to Israel not only continued but significantly increased.
In a recent interview Trade Minister Ömer Bolat stated that trade between Turkey and Israel had decreased by more than 50 percent between October 7 and December 4. Bolat attributed this decline to a boycott in Turkey against brands seen as supporters of Israel. However, these claims are at odds with the actual trade figures reported.
Critics have pointed out the government’s contradictory actions, with investigative journalist Metin Cihan highlighting ongoing business relations between certain Turkish companies and Israel. According to Cihan, companies linked to Erdoğan and his allies continued trading with Israel even as the president publicly championed the Palestinian cause.
Cihan’s revelations on X shed light on the involvement of companies such as Limak Holding, MNG Holding and Kolin Holding in trade activities with Israel. These companies, known for their government connections, allegedly used their ports for shipments to Israel and provided services to Israeli government tankers.