Turkey’s declaration of solidarity with the Palestinians stands in stark contrast to the trade activity driven primarily by companies affiliated with the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association (MÜSİAD), known for its support for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Karar daily reported on Friday.
Israel began pounding Gaza in the aftermath of an unprecedented attack by Hamas militants on October 7 that left some 1,200 people dead in Israel. The death toll in Gaza, in the meantime, has reached 31,988, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The trade between Israel and Turkey shows no signs of winding down despite Erdoğan’s comparisons between Netanyahu and Hitler and praise of Hamas as freedom fighters. Some of it is even conducted by people close to Erdoğan despite his anti-Israel rhetoric.
According to Karar, most of the Turkish companies exporting to Israel are members of the pro-government MÜSİAD.
Karar’s report, citing official data, identifies companies involved in this trade, such as Evyap Holding, İÇDAŞ, Pamukkale Kablo, Eren Holding and Tosyalı, highlighting the wide range of sectors involved, from textiles and energy to construction materials and defense-related products.
Despite Karar’s inquiries, major companies such as Akçansa, Nuh Çimento, Tosyalı Holding, İÇDAŞ and Zorlu Holding have remained silent about their trade relations with Israel.
MÜSİAD issued a statement in February denying claims that its members’ business activities with Israel undermine solidarity with Palestine.
Turkish exports to Israel have quickly recovered to pre-conflict levels, according to Karar. Recent data suggest that trade figures are close to what they were before the escalation of violence. This recovery is despite the ongoing conflict and widespread international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Turkish opposition leaders criticize the apparent contradiction of the Erdoğan government condemning Israel’s military actions while maintaining robust trade relations with the country.