The rift in relations between Israel and Turkey is now acquiring a strong economic dimension as Tel Aviv appears to turn its back permanently on Turkish agricultural products, depriving Ankara of a market of particular importance.
These developments reinforce concerns that the aggressive foreign policy of Recep Tayyip Erdogan is beginning to have tangible economic consequences for Turkey.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Israel, Avi Dichter, speaking to journalist Gadi Ness on radio station Radio North 104.5 FM, revealed that for months Israel has completely stopped tomato imports, arguing that Israeli producers now cover the entirety of domestic demand.
«Whoever makes shakshuka today, makes it exclusively with Israeli products.
The same applies to Israeli salad.
In recent years, in cooperation with farmers, we proceeded with major reforms. For months we have not imported tomatoes at all.
This is an unprecedented event», stated Avi Dichter characteristically.
Data from June confirm the dramatic change.
For the first time since the start of the war, Israel did not import a single quantity of tomatoes, peppers, or eggs from abroad.
In contrast, in June 2025 approximately 709 tons of tomatoes and 97 tons of peppers were imported, while in June 2024 imports amounted to 16 tons of tomatoes and 422 tons of peppers.
The biggest shift concerns the tomato market, where before the war Israel imported approximately 40,000 tons annually, with the vast majority coming from Turkey.
Imports covered approximately 22% of total annual consumption of 180,000 tons.
Today, according to official data presented by the Israeli government, all demand is covered by domestic production, leaving Turkish exporters essentially out of the market.
Negative development
This development is considered particularly negative for the Turkish agricultural economy, as the loss of the Israeli market is added to the already growing pressures Turkey faces from high inflation, the weakening of the lira, and the decline in competitiveness across several export sectors.
At the same time, Israel continues to face significant supply chain challenges due to the war.
A survey by the Retail Trade Institute, conducted in May 2026, shows that Israeli households allocate approximately 13% of their food budget to purchasing fruits and vegetables.
However, war conditions have increased production and distribution costs due to problems in agricultural areas, transport, security, and cargo insurance.
Despite these pressures, the Israeli government promotes complete independence from imports of fresh Turkish agricultural products as a strategic success, simultaneously sending a clear political and economic message to Ankara that bilateral relations are entering a new, much more confrontational era.
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