Erdogan’s Trade Embargo on Israel Contradicted by Family’s Ongoing Business Ties

In May 2024, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan imposed a trade embargo on Israel, a move widely reported as a political stance against the Jewish state. However, investigations reveal that this embargo has been largely symbolic, as Erdogan’s family members continue to maintain significant economic ties with Israeli businesses. According to the Arab newspaper Rai Al-Youm, Erdogan’s sons, Burak and Bilal, have long-standing business relationships with Israeli companies, particularly in the shipping industry, despite the official embargo.

Reuters data analyzed by Rai Al-Youm shows that Israel continues to import large quantities of Azerbaijani oil through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, with shipments reaching a three-year peak in 2025, the year the embargo was enacted. Bilal Erdogan is linked to BMZ shipping company, which owns oil tankers involved in trade routes to Israel, while Burak Erdogan is a partner in MB Denizcilik, a shipping firm with ongoing business dealings in Israel. Although there is no conclusive proof of direct involvement in shipments from the Turkish port of Iskenderun, suspicions remain.

This economic reality contrasts sharply with Erdogan’s political declarations, illustrating a disconnect between his public embargo and private family interests. The report highlights the complexity of regional trade and political posturing, where official policies may not fully reflect underlying economic interactions.

The revelations come amid broader regional tensions and shifting alliances, underscoring the multifaceted nature of Turkey-Israel relations. The Erdogan family’s continued engagement with Israeli business interests suggests that economic pragmatism often prevails over political rhetoric in this context.