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Erdogan indicates desire to normalise relations with Israel
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday indicated that he wants to restore ties with Israel, saying that it would benefit the entire region.
In 2010, the previously warm relationship between Israel and Turkey deteriorated and diplomatic relations were ceded after the deaths of nine Turkish citizens who were killed whilst trying to prevent Israeli commandos taking over a Gaza-bound protest ship, the Mavi Marmara. In 2013, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paved the way for reconciliation by issuing an apology. It was widely reported last year that detailed discussions had taken place over a compensation deal for the families of those killed aboard the Mavi Marmara. However, Turkey also insisted on an end to Israeli restrictions over the Gaza Strip and talks were thought to have petered out.
In the meantime, Erdogan has sharply condemned Israel, saying last year that Israeli actions in Gaza last year amounted to genocide and “barbarism surpassing Hitler.”
However, Erdogan appeared to alter his tone significantly yesterday, telling Turkish reporters, “This normalization process would be good for us, Israel, Palestine and the entire region.” He added, “The region definitely needs this. I don’t believe the Israeli public is pleased with the current state of relations. We need to consider the interests of the people of the region and introduce peace.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry Director General Dore Gold responded by saying, “Israel has always strived for stable relations with Turkey and is constantly examining ways to achieve that goal.”
In another announcement yesterday, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office announced that he would meet Greece’s Prime Minister Alex Tsiprias late next month and the following day the two leaders will hold a three-way meeting in Cyprus with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades. Cooperation over regional natural gas is expected to feature highly on the agenda. It is thought that the timing of the announcement, well in advance of the meetings, may have been a message to Erdogan that Israel already has healthy relations in the region.