21.05.2026 08:10
According to a report by Ynet, one of Israel's leading media outlets, it was claimed that Israel is considering closing its Consulate General in Istanbul due to diplomatic tensions with Turkey. While it was stated that there are disagreements within the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this issue, some officials reportedly argued that closing the consulate would be a mistake. It was also noted that Israeli diplomats left Turkey following the Gaza attacks and have been carrying out their duties from Bulgaria.
According to a report by Ynet, one of Israel's leading press organizations, Israel is reportedly considering closing its Consulate General in Istanbul due to the deepening diplomatic tension with Turkey.
The report claims that the Tel Aviv administration has not yet made a formal decision, but there are disagreements within the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the future of the consulate.
“CLOSING WOULD BE A MISTAKE” VIEW
According to the claim, some officials argued that closing the Istanbul Consulate General would be a serious mistake and that reopening it might become very difficult in the future.
It was stated that some individuals expressed that the diplomatic mission, which has not been actively used for a long time, creates unnecessary costs in terms of public resources.
ISRAELI DIPLOMATS LEFT TURKEY
Following the Gaza attacks that began on October 7, 2023, Israeli diplomats serving at the Israeli Embassy in Ankara and the Istanbul Consulate General left Turkey.
It was reported that Israeli diplomats assigned to Turkey are carrying out their duties from Bulgaria, while local staff continue to work remotely.