Israel began to send back its diplomats to Turkey earlier this month, half a year after it withdrew them over security concerns, Israeli sources told
Middle East Eye on Monday.
“As the Israeli departure was due to security reasons, Israel is trying to gradually send back its diplomats,” an Israeli source told MEE.
A Turkish official confirmed that Israeli diplomats have been returning to their posts.
The move came after bilateral relations hit a new low when Ankara completely halted trade with Israel earlier this month, demanding unhindered flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza Strip and a ceasefire.
Even though both countries normalised relations last year and exchanged ambassadors, the 7 October Hamas-led attack on Israel caused a rift.
Turkey initially kept its criticism towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government rather muted, and also condemned Hamas’ attacks on civilians.
However, the government’s posture changed over time as suffering in the Gaza Strip mounted. Turkey first recalled its ambassador for consultations in November.
Since suffering significant losses in Turkey's local elections in March, the Turkish government has intensified its criticism of Israel and taken a series of steps against Netanyahu's government.
Turkey also announced earlier this month that it would participate South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
