Israel may need $6m to move Istanbul consulate

Israel may need $6m to move Istanbul consulate Submitted by Ragip Soylu on Thu, 05/28/2026 - 14:24 The planned demolition of the former consulate building has complicated Israeli deliberations over whether to rebuild, relocate or stay away amid rising tensions with Turkey People hold Palestinian and Turkish flags as they protest in front of Israel's consulate in Istanbul on 16 May 2018 (Ozan Kose/AFP) Off The building that housed Israel’s consulate in Istanbul has failed an earthquake resilience inspection, prompting the Israeli government to consider its options. Sources familiar with the matter told Middle East Eye that the building, partially closed since Israel withdrew its diplomatic staff from Turkey in October 2023 over security concerns, is set to be demolished, with a new development planned to replace it over the coming years. This has left the Israeli government in a difficult position. Some Israeli sources initially told the media that the consulate was being closed for the foreseeable future because of rising political tensions between Turkey and Israel. However, the issue appears to be more about technical obstacles. Although parts of the building belong to Israel, the new development poses several commercial challenges and additional costs if the Israelis want to reopen the consulate on the same plot. The building is a plaza that hosts multiple businesses and offices on several floors.  “There are Israeli specifications for the construction of Israeli diplomatic missions, and the construction company most likely cannot accommodate these requirements because they are costly,” one source familiar with the issue told MEE. “Therefore, if they want to keep the con...

Original source: Middle East Eye