Israel weighs closing Istanbul consulate amid deepening diplomatic crisis with Turkey
ynetnews • • world
Key Points:
- Israel is contemplating closing its consulate in Istanbul amid a worsening diplomatic crisis with Turkey, which would leave only the Israeli Embassy in Ankara as its official mission in the country.
- Both Israeli diplomatic missions in Turkey have been unmanned since the October 7 Hamas attack, with diplomats currently based in Bulgaria and local staff working remotely.
- There is disagreement within Israel's Foreign Ministry about the closure; some officials warn it would be difficult to reopen later and could harm diplomatic relations, while others see maintaining an empty mission as a waste of funds.
- Experts caution that closing the consulate could damage Israel's leverage in Turkey and negatively impact Istanbul’s Jewish community of approximately 15,000 people, who may feel abandoned.
- Recent security incidents near the consulate, including shootings in April and recently, highlight ongoing risks, although no injuries or damage occurred in the latest event.