A recent report in the Israeli press has revealed that Dorad Energy, a company providing electricity to Israeli military bases, is partly owned by Zorlu Energy, a Turkish company. Zorlu Energy, a subsidiary of Zorlu Holding, holds a 25% stake in Dorad Energy, which is legally an Israeli company with the Israeli government as its majority shareholder.
The Jerusalem Post reported that Dorad Energy has renewed its agreement with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to continue supplying electricity to IDF bases. The report highlighted that 25% of Dorad Energy’s shares belong to Zorlu Energy, a company closely associated with Turkey.
This news comes as Israel continues its military operations in the Gaza Strip, and despite Turkey’s decision in April to cut trade ties with Israel. The contract between Dorad Energy and the IDF, however, was extended. The report also mentioned that the Turkish company supplying electricity to the IDF is owned by a businessman with close ties to AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
An article by Liat Ron pointed out, “The Israeli government continues to channel significant funds from the Ministry of Defense to Zorlu Holding, chaired by Ahmet Nazif Zorlu. The Istanbul-based holding has been a partner in Dorad Energy, supplying electricity to the IDF and the Ministry of Defense since 2004.”
The report further detailed that, despite Turkey’s boycott of Israel, Dorad’s board, which includes Zorlu representatives, met in July—two and a half months after the boycott began—and unanimously approved the renewal of the agreement to supply electricity to IDF bases.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense clarified that the agreement with Dorad Energy was not renewed but instead adjusted to reflect a discounted rate aimed at reducing electricity costs for the ministry. “Dorad is an Israeli company, with the largest shareholder being the Israeli government. Its operations comply with Israeli laws and regulations,” the ministry stated.
According to the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), Zorlu Energy holds a 25% stake in Dorad Energy. Turkey had imposed export restrictions on Israel for 54 product groups in April, followed by a trade ban in May.
At the end of May, Zorlu Energy decided to sell its shares in three Israeli companies—Ezotech, Solad, and Adnit—where it holds a 42.15% stake in each. However, no action has been taken regarding its shares in Dorad Energy.
