BICOM

Israel’s Prime Minister confirmed yesterday that a reconciliation agreement has been reached with Turkey and explained the strategic advantages of the deal. The agreement is expected to be approved by Israel’s security cabinet tomorrow.

Speaking in Rome, PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that the agreement is of “strategic importance” for “security, for regional stability and for the Israeli economy”. He said that “my policy is to create centres of stability in this unstable and stormy region” and that Israel and Turkey are “two major powers in the region”.

Specifically, the agreement will allow for Turkish aid to enter the Gaza Strip via Israel’s Ashdod port and Turkey will be permitted to build infrastructure to boost water and electricity in Gaza. Netanyahu added that “this is both a humanitarian interest and an outstanding Israeli interest”.

Importantly, said Netanyahu, the agreement includes “a commitment to prevent all terrorist or military activity against Israel from Turkish soil,” an apparent reference to Hamas activity there. The agreement also “requires Turkey to assist Israel in entering into all international organisations that Turkey is a member of,” which would appear to include NATO.

Another critical advantage of the agreement, said Netanyahu, is “cooperation on economic and energy matters, including the gas issue”. He said that having developed its natural gas resources, Israel will look to reach the Turkish market and European markets via Turkey. Finally, Netanyahu said that thanks to the agreement, “we will work to advance it” and make it reality.

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. It is thought that arrangements were made in 2014 over a compensation deal for the families of those killed aboard the Mavi Marmara. Subsequent talks resumed last year and have been ongoing, including a meeting in London in April.