Türkiye confirms blocking airspace for Israeli president’s flight to COP29 amid strained relations
Turkiye has confirmed reports that its government denied Israeli President Isaac Herzog permission to enter Turkish airspace en route to Azerbaijan, highlighting the growing tensions between Ankara and Tel Aviv.
The Israeli delegation to the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, arrived on November 11 via commercial flights through Georgia.
However, President Herzog canceled his planned trip to the summit, citing unspecified “security considerations.”
Reports later surfaced that Turkiye had refused to grant airspace access for Herzog’s aircraft. Israeli news outlet Ynet reported that intensive diplomatic negotiations between Tel Aviv and Ankara had failed to resolve the issue. An Azerbaijani official reportedly confirmed these negotiations but noted their lack of success.
Turkish officials have now corroborated the decision to deny Israel’s request.
This move follows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent announcement of severing all ties with Israel’s government, military, and trade sectors, asserting that the ruling coalition remains resolute in maintaining this stance.
The Turkish government has severely criticized the Israeli government over what it described as ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Israel’s rampaging attacks in Gaza have killed at least 43,922 Palestinians and wounded 103,898 since October 7, 2023.
An estimated 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks that day, and more than 200 were taken captive.
