Israel Weighs Closing Consulate in Istanbul Amid Diplomatic Strains
Tel Aviv is considering the closure of its consulate in Istanbul, according to a Hebrew newspaper report. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reviewing the possibility of shutting down the consulate in Turkey’s largest city while maintaining its embassy operations in the capital, Ankara. No final decision has been made yet, the source said.
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, both the Istanbul consulate and the Israeli embassy in Turkey have been operating without dispatched diplomats since October 7, 2023. Israeli diplomats are currently stationed in Bulgaria, and local staff continue their duties remotely from home.
The newspaper reports internal disagreement within the Israeli Foreign Ministry. Some officials believe closing the consulate would be a mistake with consequences that will be hard to reverse, while others argue that continuing the mission without diplomatic personnel is financially unjustifiable.
The potential closure has also raised concerns among Istanbul’s Jewish community, estimated at around 15,000 residents. Some fear that shutting the consulate might signal neglect of their needs and presence.
Meanwhile, Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar made strong remarks, stating that Turkey should be considered a “hostile” country. He warned that if war breaks out, Ankara would “pay a heavy price,” emphasizing that Israel is capable of defending itself and striking its enemies.
These statements come amid years of turbulent relations between Ankara and Tel Aviv, with recent regional developments further impacting bilateral ties.
