Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid stated that “following my conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Israel and Turkey have decided to return the ambassadors and consuls general”, and considered that “the resumption of relations with Turkey is an important asset for regional stability and economic important for citizens of Israel, we will continue to work and strengthen Israel’s international position in the world.”

In a social media statement, he explained that “Last night, Israeli Foreign Ministry Director General Alon Oshbis spoke with Turkish Deputy Ambassador Sadat Unal and they made a decision to raise the level of relations between Israel and Turkey to full diplomatic representation and the return of ambassadors and general consuls of both countries.

Lapid noted that “the restoration of diplomatic relations is a continuation of the positive trend in the development of relations last year, starting with the visit of President Isaac Herzog to Ankara and the mutual visits of foreign ministers to Jerusalem and Ankara”, and added that “the development of relations will contribute to the deepening of relations between countries, expanding economic, trade and tourism ties, as well as strengthening regional stability.