Israel is considering closing its consulate in Istanbul due to ongoing tensions with Iran and heightened security risks, according to an Israeli diplomatic source. Internal discussions are underway regarding the future of the consulate, one of Israel’s oldest diplomatic missions. Even if the Istanbul office is closed, the Israeli embassy in Ankara will remain formally open but without Israeli diplomats on duty.

Following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Israeli officials were withdrawn from Turkey, and both the Ankara embassy and Istanbul consulate have since been operated by local Turkish staff. The consulate building, located in Istanbul’s commercial district, faces potential demolition due to earthquake risks and high maintenance costs. A shooting incident near the consulate on April 7 further intensified security discussions.

Relations between Turkey and Israel have deteriorated since the Hamas-Israel war began, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sharply criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza. The two countries had restored diplomatic ties in 2016 after years of strained relations following the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident.