Israel has expressed anger toward Turkey over Ankara's opposition to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and public criticism of Israeli regional policy.

The dispute threatens to destabilize diplomatic relations between two key Middle Eastern powers at a time when trade routes are being redrawn. The tension centers on whether the proposed corridor will secure Israel's economic future or serve as a point of geopolitical contention.

Israel began accelerating work on the IMEC project in May 2026 [1]. The corridor aims to link India, the Middle East, and Europe, providing a trade route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz. An Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said Turkey’s refusal to endorse the project is a direct challenge to Israel’s efforts to secure this route [2].

Turkey has publicly opposed the IMEC project in at least three diplomatic statements since March 2026 [3]. This opposition is paired with Turkey's alignment with Saudi Arabia and its vocal support for the Palestinian cause. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said Israel’s anger stems from Turkey’s continued support for Palestinians and its criticism of Israeli military operations in Gaza [4].

Israel views these actions as hostile. The state believes Turkey's opposition is a strategic move to undermine Israeli economic and security interests. Prof. Yael Ronen of the Institute for National Security Studies in Israel said the corridor is vital for Israel’s economic security, and any attempt by Turkey to block it is perceived as a hostile act [5].

The friction reflects a broader struggle for influence in the region. While Israel seeks to solidify its role as a logistics hub for global trade, Turkey continues to leverage its diplomatic position to challenge Israeli military and political strategies, specifically regarding the conflict in Gaza.

“Turkey’s refusal to endorse the IMEC project is a direct challenge to Israel’s efforts to secure a trade route”

The conflict over the IMEC corridor signifies a shift where economic infrastructure is being used as a primary tool for diplomatic leverage. By opposing the route, Turkey is not only challenging Israel's strategic goal of bypassing the Strait of Hormuz but is also signaling its commitment to Palestinian advocacy as a priority over regional trade integration.