Erdogan told a press conference in Brazil following the G20 summit that this move shows that Turkey continues to maintain a tough stance towards Israel amid escalating tensions in the region.

President Erdogan has repeatedly criticized the Israeli government for prolonging the conflict in the Gaza Strip and expanding the conflict to Lebanon.

Turkey recalled its ambassador to Israel for consultations on Israel’s bombing of civilians in the Gaza Strip last October. Turkey has not severed ties with Israel, however, and the Israeli embassy in the Turkish capital Ankara remains open.