Israel may need $6m to move Istanbul consulate Submitted by Ragip Soylu on Thu, 05/28/2026 - 14:24 The planned demolition of the former consulate building has complicated Israeli deliberations over whether to rebuild, relocate or stay away amid rising tensions with Turkey People hold Palestinian and Turkish flags as they protest in front of Israel's consulate in Istanbul on 16 May 2018 (Ozan Kose/AFP) Off The building that housed Israel’s consulate in Istanbul has failed an earthquake resilience inspection, prompting the Israeli government to consider its options. Sources familiar with the matter told Middle East Eye that the building, partially closed since Israel withdrew its diplomatic staff from Turkey in October 2023 over security concerns, is set to be demolished, with a new development planned to replace it over the coming years. This has left the Israeli government in a difficult position.