'Israel' to abolish free trade agreement with Turkey: Smotrich

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 May 2024 18:17

The Israeli Finance Minister says Erdogan's suspension of imports to "Israel" constitutes a "declaration of an economic boycott."

Israeli politician Bezalel Smotrich gestures as he speaks during a conference in occupied al-Quds, Sunday, March 7, 2021. (AP)

"Israel" would terminate its free trade agreement with Turkey and impose a 100% tariff on other Turkish imports in response to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's decision to cease exports to the Israeli entity, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced Thursday.

Smotrich stated that the proposal would be presented to the Israeli cabinet for approval.

Earlier this month, Turkey declared it would suspend all trade with "Israel" amid the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza, citing a "worsening humanitarian tragedy" in the Strip.

"Exports and imports to and from Israel have been suspended," the Turkish Trade Ministry said in a statement, adding that "Turkey will apply these new measures... until the Israeli government authorises an uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza."

The Trade Ministry has clarified that companies have three months to fulfill existing orders through third countries.

Erdogan said the decision was designed "to force Israel to agree to a ceasefire and increase the amount of humanitarian aid to enter" Gaza.

"We have one goal here, and that's to force the Netanyahu government, which went out of control with the unconditional military and diplomatic support of the West, to a ceasefire," he underlined.

The Turkish President also explained that "if a ceasefire is declared and an adequate amount of humanitarian aid is allowed to enter Gaza, the goal will be achieved."

In a statement, Smotrich said that Erdogan's "announcement of the stoppage of imports to Israel constitutes a declaration of an economic boycott and a serious violation of international trade agreements to which Turkey has committed."

He emphasized that the Israeli response would persist only as long as Erdogan remains in power.

"If at the end of Erdogan's term the citizens of Turkey elect a leader who is sane and not a hater of Israel, it would be possible to return the trade route with Turkey," the Israeli Finance Minister indicated.

The Israeli Manufacturers' Association supported Smotrich's plan, calling it "an appropriate response" to prevent Erdogan from harming the Israeli economy without consequences.