Turkey Imposes Airspace Restrictions on Israeli Government Flights

Following Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu's statement that his country has closed its airspace to Israel, Ankara quickly clarified: A Turkish diplomatic source clarified that the restriction will not apply to commercial flights, but to official flights of the Israeli government and aircraft transporting weapons.

The statements come against the backdrop of a parliamentary speech in which Çavuşoğlu announced that Turkey has 'completely severed its economic ties with Israel', a vaguely worded statement that caused confusion. In Israel, it was emphasized that no official notice had been received about the closure of the airspace, and Israeli airlines reported that flights were continuing as usual.

The president of the Manufacturers Association on Turkey's declaration: A reminder that we must not be economically dependent on anyone. The government must act to strengthen manufacturing independence.

The president of the Manufacturers Association in Israel, Dr. Ron Tomer, responded to the Turkish announcement of severing economic relations with Israel, saying: 'Turkey's announcement of a complete severance of relations with Israel, and in particular the cessation of trade ties - which have already been damaged following recent decisions by the President of Turkey and are now taking a complete knockout, is a sharp reminder that economic dependence on hostile countries can turn into a political weapon. For years we have warned about Turkey's quiet takeover of vital industries in Israel, which harms local industry and our national resilience.

'It's time for the Israeli government to wake up and act decisively for manufacturing independence. A national, budgeted plan must be formulated to strengthen Israeli industry, to prefer blue-and-white products in all public procurement, and to help and strengthen Israeli exporters. Dr. Tomer added that now, more than ever, the private sector must prefer Israeli products - not only out of economic necessity, but out of national responsibility. 'This crisis is also an opportunity to further strengthen local industry and ensure that Israel is not dependent on any country - especially not one that openly acts against our interests.'