BICOM

According to Haaretz, Russia has outlined its concerns to Israel that a possible agreement to restore Israel-Turkey relations would strengthen Turkey’s regional position.

It was reported earlier this month that progress had been made in talks between Israeli and Turkish officials in Geneva 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. Although it is thought that arrangements were made over a compensation deal for the families of those killed aboard the Mavi Marmara, 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.

However, Haaretz reports that another consideration has emerged, with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said to have told Dore Gold, the Director General of Israel’s Foreign Ministry that Moscow has reservations about the potential deal. The two reportedly met yesterday afternoon.

Russia’s relations with Turkey are in crisis over the two countries’ respective involvement and interests in the Syrian Civil War. In November, Turkey downed a Russian jet near its airspace in Syria. Haaretz says Moscow is concerned that an agreement which would allow Turkey free access to the Gaza Strip would hand the Turks a further foothold in the region. Egypt is also thought to be concerned at the issue. Additionally, Russia is apparently wary of potential cooperation between Israel and Turkey over natural gas, especially as Russia is currently Turkey’s main gas supplier.

Haaretz quotes an unnamed senior Israeli official, who said in response that Russia “never reached out to Israel to reject the deal with Turkey.”