BICOM

Israel and Turkey have reportedly reached an understanding which will see diplomatic relations restored after a five-year hiatus.

In 2010, the previously warm relationship between Israel and Turkey deteriorated and diplomatic relations were ceded after the deaths of ten Turkish citizens, who were killed 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 is thought that detailed discussions took place last year 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, relations deteriorated further after Erdogan said that Israeli actions in Gaza last year amounted to genocide and “barbarism surpassing Hitler.” However, earlier this week, Erdogan indicated that he wanted to restore ties with Israel, saying that it would be “in the interests of the people of the region.”

Haaretz reports that a meeting took place in Zurich on Wednesday between Turkish under-foreign minister Feridun Sinirlioglu and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s envoy Joseph Ciechanover alongside National Security Advisor Yossi Cohen.

Channel Ten said that they agreed to normalise relations and return their respective ambassadors. Israel is set to pay £13.3 million in compensation to the families of those killed or injured aboard the Mavi Marmara. Meanwhile, Turkey will pass legislation to drop current and future cases against IDF personnel involved in the raid. Turkey will also expel senior Hamas official Saleh al-Aruri, who is based in Istanbul and is thought to direct terror attacks against Israelis in the West Bank. Once an agreement has been signed, the two countries have agreed to begin talks about Israel providing natural gas to Turkey. Russia is Turkey’s long-time major energy supplier but relations have hit rock bottom after Turkey recently shot down a Russian jet over Syria.