Turkey Roundup: Israeli attack, manufacturing slowdown, Netflix concern

Possible Israeli attack on Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took a definitive stance against Israel's military operations occurring in Gaza and Lebanon. He condemned these actions and urged for immediate intervention from the United Nations and other respective organisations, warning of potential threats to Turkey if they persist. Erdogan characterised the Israeli government's conduct as genocidal and aggressive, illustrating the urgency for action to counter what he referred to as a "horde of killers."

Evacuation of foreigners from Lebanon

Turkey's Foreign Ministry has announced its coordination with approximately 20 countries to facilitate the evacuation of foreign nationals from Lebanon amidst deteriorating security due to Israel's ground invasion. A specific coordination centre has been established to manage these evacuations effectively, outlining clear guidelines for the movement of individuals through Turkish territory.

Manufacturing industry endures worst slowdown

Turkey’s manufacturing sector is facing significant challenges, as indicated by the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) which fell to 44.3 in September, down from 47.8 in August. This marks the worst slowdown since May 2020, with firms reporting declining demand leading to reduced output and employment levels, alongside a decrease in purchasing. Despite a minor alleviation in inflation measures, high prices continue to hinder demand, evidenced by ongoing contractions, including a notable drop in new export orders over six consecutive months.

Parliamentary commission to summon Netflix

A Turkish parliamentary commission plans to summon representatives from Netflix to address concerns related to the platform's compliance with Turkish laws and content regulations. Turkey ranks among Netflix's top 10 subscriber nations, hence the discussions will focus on ensuring that content aligns with Turkish moral values, akin to prior discussions held with TikTok regarding 'obscene' material. Recent concerns were raised over a Netflix series that allegedly misrepresented Türkiye’s 1974 Peace Operation in Cyprus, prompting Netflix to limit its availability regionally amid these concerns. The commission aims to maintain a balance between protecting individual liberties and ensuring public order.

Recommendation for the use of force against Israel

President Tayyip Erdogan, addressing the UN General Assembly, called for a recommendation for the use of force against Israel should the UN Security Council remain inoperative regarding its aggressive actions. He invoked the 1950 Uniting for Peace resolution, which empowers the General Assembly to step in during Security Council deadlocks. Erdogan expressed disappointment at the lack of robust measures from Muslim countries against Israel's actions, advocating for a worldwide mobilisation to achieve a ceasefire. Additionally, Turkey has suspended trade with Israel and is initiating legal actions against the nation in the World Court.