BICOM

Both Israeli and Turkish leaderships indicated that talks to restore diplomatic ties between the two countries had made progress this week, although no final agreement has been reached.

Israeli envoy Joseph Ciechanover and acting National Security Advisor Jacob Nagel met this week with Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu in Geneva in an attempt to finalise a deal which would see the two countries resume diplomatic ties after a six 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 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 is thought that arrangements were made in 2014 over a compensation deal for the families of those killed aboard the Mavi Marmara. Although subsequent talks resumed last year, a number of outstanding issues remain.

These are thought to include Turkey’s demand for free access to the Gaza Strip and Israel’s demand that Hamas be expelled fully from Turkey. A statement from Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office said that progress was made at this week’s talks but that “there are still some issues that need to be discussed in the near future.” Meanwhile, a spokesman for Turkey’s ruling AKP party, Omer Celik commented “talks are progressing well, but until we see the practical consequences of the talks we won’t be able to say that there’s a deal.”

However, Israel’s Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon, who is reported to have demanded the return of the bodies of two Israeli soldiers from Gaza as part of a deal with Turkey, was more downbeat about this week’s discussions. He said, “I’m not sure that we are going to reach settlement. It may be, but they [Turkey] have to address our conditions for any political settlement,” in particular ending support for Hamas.