Israel’s Foreign Minister on Monday called on Israeli citizens to leave Turkey immediately, citing reported Iranian plans to attacks Israeli tourists in the country.
A view of Istanbul. Photo: Pixabay/Sulox32
Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said on Monday that all Israeli citizens should leave Turkey without losing any time, citing possible Iranian attacks against Israeli tourists in the country.
“We call on Israelis not to fly to Istanbul, and if it is not necessary, do not fly to Turkey,” he added. “If you are already in Istanbul, return to Israel as soon as possible… If you planned a flight to Istanbul, cancel … No vacation is worth your life.” Lapid told the Israeli parliament.
Lapid’s statement followed media reports that Israel and Turkey had thwarted Iranian terrorist attacks and kidnappings of Israeli citizens during recent weeks.
“These terrorist attacks are aimed at Israelis who went on vacation. They are intentionally choosing Israeli citizens to abduct or murder. It could happen to anyone. It’s a real and immediate danger.” Lapid added.
Lapid thanked Turkish authorities for their efforts to protect Israeli citizens, citing the important tourism ties between the two countries.
“Ankara understands that while tourism is important, some risks should not be taken,” Lapid added, saying he hoped that the travel warning could be lifted soon for the peak tourism season.
Turkey is one of the most popular tourist destinations for Israelis. In 2019, before the global COVID-19 pandemic, more than 507,000 Israeli tourists visited Turkey.
Thanks to warming diplomatic relations, the target this year was to surpass the 2019 figures.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu visited Israel last month, the first such visit in the last 15 years after bilateral relations had suffered due to several international disagreements.
Cavusoglu said during his visit on May 25: “We expect that more Israeli tourists will come to Turkey’s different cities.”
However, tense relations between Israel and Iran have affected Turkey’s tourism plans, which are considered vital for recovery from the pandemic and for easing the effects of an ongoing economic crisis in the country.
Iran has accused Israel of causing the deaths of several senior officers at the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and has pledged to take revenge.
According to the Jerusalem Post, based on its sources in Israeli security agencies, Israeli and Turkish officials foiled an attempted attack on Israelis by an Iranian network operating in Turkey.
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