Israel recalls diplomats from Turkey amid heightened tensions

Israel's foreign minister Eli Cohen has ordered the return of Israeli diplomats from Turkey after Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan made inflammatory remarks about Israel at a pro-Palestinian rally, as reported by Haaretz.

"Given the grave statements coming from Turkey, I have ordered the return of diplomatic representatives there in order to conduct a reevaluation of the relations between Israel and Turkey," Cohen tweeted on Saturday.

The recall of the envoys marks a new low point in relations between the two countries, long-time allies that have seen ties deteriorate over the past decade due to disagreements over the Palestinian issue.

The diplomatic spat comes amid efforts by Israel and Turkey to mend fences in recent months. Talks are now in jeopardy as Israel reassesses engagement with Ankara.