Israel moves to bar Erdoğan’s son from entry amid talk of father-to-son succession in Turkey
Israel’s diaspora affairs minister is pushing to bar Bilal Erdoğan, the son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, from entering Israel along with dozens of other Turkish citizens in a move that Israeli officials framed as a response to what they described as anti-Israel incitement.
The move comes as speculation has grown in Turkey over who could eventually succeed Erdoğan, with Bilal Erdoğan becoming more visible at public events in recent months despite holding no elected office.
Israel’s Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli said Turkey should be treated as an “enemy state,” using language that compared the step to Israeli measures against terrorist groups.
The recommendation was prepared by the ministry’s director-general Avi Cohen Scali and forwarded to Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority under a provision of Israel’s entry law cited in Israeli reporting.
Israeli coverage said the list included Fehmi Bülent Yıldırım, head of the Turkish humanitarian group İHH, known internationally for its role in the 2010 Mavi Marmara flotilla that tried to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
It also named Ali Erbaş, the head of Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate.
The Israeli ministry described those targeted as public figures who “consistently and publicly” promote boycotts and the delegitimization of Israel.
Gaza diplomacy
Israeli media linked the push to a US-led process discussing Gaza reconstruction and governance mechanisms, saying Turkey’s inclusion in related bodies was a factor behind Chikli’s initiative.
The issue has gained visibility this week as Turkey joined US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” and a related “Gaza Executive Board.”
Some in the Israeli government rejected the broader US-backed framework and objected to the inclusion of countries such as Turkey and Qatar.
Turkey and Israel’s relationship has deteriorated sharply since October 2023 as Erdoğan escalated his criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Turkey also says it halted trade with Israel in May 2024, though critics have disputed whether commerce stopped entirely in practice.
Bilal Erdoğan’s pro-Gaza role and the ‘heir’ narrative
Bilal Erdoğan has taken on a higher-profile public role linked to Gaza in recent weeks, including leading a major pro-Palestinian rally in İstanbul on January 1.
Turkish observers have argued that Bilal Erdoğan’s prominence at such events functions as political messaging meant to elevate him as a possible successor to Erdoğan.
Critics viewed the January 1 rally in İstanbul as a public relations effort tied to succession talk and the government’s broader Gaza messaging.
The succession discussion has moved further into mainstream commentary. The Economist reported this month on internal ruling party maneuvering over who might follow Erdoğan, citing polling that placed Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan ahead of other names while Bilal Erdoğan ranked among contenders discussed by commentators.
Former parliament speaker and the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) co-founder Bülent Arınç dismissed the idea of father-to-son succession even as he acknowledged Bilal Erdoğan’s rising visibility.
Israel cites Jerusalem activity and prior Turkish visits
Chikli has argued the entry bans are warranted even if none of the named individuals are currently known to be planning a visit.
In comments carried by Israeli media, he pointed to past high-level Turkish visits in Israel and Turkey’s activity through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), which he said operates mainly in East Jerusalem.
The Israeli government posted a statement this week describing the move as an effort to bar Erdoğan’s son and other Turkish officials from entry.
The decision is being advanced through Israel’s immigration authorities, and Israeli reporting said such recommendations have typically been accepted.
