Israel is considering closing its consulate in Istanbul, one of its first in the world, which was targeted in a shooting in April, an Israeli source tells AFP.
Israel’s embassy in Ankara will remain open, but still shorn of diplomatic personnel after their evacuation in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
Diplomats were likewise pulled from the Istanbul consulate, located in a business district of Turkey’s largest city, with both institutions staffed with Turkish personnel since.
“The issue is under discussion; no decision has been made,” insists the source, referring to plans to demolish the building housing the Istanbul consulate as part of earthquake preparation measures. “Some argue these vacant premises, that belong to us, are costing us a lot of money.”
It comes after a shooting took place on April 7 near the building. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, while authorities blamed a “terrorist organization which exploits religion,” without giving further details.
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