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Israeli Settlement Minister Orit Strock led a group of lawmakers and activists to Türkiye’s Consulate General in occupied East Jerusalem, making provocative remarks amid rising political tensions.
Strock, accompanied by Likud MP Amit Halevi, gathered with supporters outside the Turkish Consulate, which represents Türkiye to Palestine.
Members of the group photographed the consulate building and diplomatic vehicles.
The visit came at a time when Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have escalated criticism of Türkiye, and Israeli media coverage against Ankara has intensified.
According to Israel’s Channel 14, the group claimed the consulate’s activities and its description as a “Palestinian Embassy” undermined Israeli sovereignty, noting its proximity to an Israeli police station and the office of far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The same group also protested outside the French Consulate in Jerusalem, accusing France of violating Israeli sovereignty after Paris recognized the State of Palestine.
They claimed the mission continued operating despite warnings from Israel’s Foreign Ministry.
The activists also argued that the French mission’s chief violated Israeli law by presenting credentials to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Strock, known for her hardline positions, had earlier voiced opposition to Türkiye’s involvement as a guarantor in the Oct. 10 Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange deal, saying she did not want to “see Turks in Gaza on any vehicle, whether a tractor or a jeep.”
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