BICOM

Turkey’s Foreign Minister yesterday confirmed that talks have been taking place between Israeli and Turkish officials over a rapprochement between the two countries.

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 at the behest of US President Obama. 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.

Earlier this week, Haaretz reported that a secret meeting took place in Rome between the new Director General of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, Dore Gold and his Turkish counterpart, Feridun Sinirlioglu. Both sides had refused to confirm whether the meeting took place until yesterday, when Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu admitted that talks have been conducted.

He told reporters in Turkey’s capital Ankara, “It’s quite normal for the two countries to talk for the normalization of the ties. How can reconciliation be achieved without holding any meetings?” He added, “These meetings are not new. Expert-level talks have been held between the two countries for a while.” Cavusoglu said that “the ball is in Israel’s court” and that “We are waiting for the Israelis’ answer” on Turkey’s demands over compensation and Gaza restrictions.

Cavusoglu also suggested that, “The process was delayed due to Israel’s internal dynamics. We could have reached an agreement at a much earlier stage.” However, a recent increased engagement in talks would come just weeks after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s AKP Party lost its majority in parliament. Erdogan has routinely expressed deep public hostility towards Israel.