BICOM

Israel’s security cabinet has approved the reconciliation agreement with Turkey, following a lengthy debate and briefing.

The decision ends the diplomatic freeze since 2010, when the previously warm relationship between Israel and Turkey deteriorated after the deaths of ten Turkish citizens who were killed on the Gaza-bound protest ship, the

Mavi Marmara. Israel has agreed to pay compensation to the families and will allow Turkish aid and infrastructure projects in the Gaza Strip. In return, Turkey will not allow itself to be used as a base for terror groups such as Hamas and bilateral relations with Israel will be extended.

The security cabinet also resolved to form a ministerial team which will monitor the deal and efforts to resolve the issue of an Israeli civilian and the bodies of two soldiers which are being held by Hamas in Gaza. The families held a vigil outside the security cabinet meeting, urging that it should not approve the deal unless linked to the fate of their loved ones.

Following a four and a half hour debate, which included an assessment from Mossad’s director, the only opponents to the agreement were Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Jewish Home Ministers Ayelet Shaked and Naftali Bennett.  Education minister Bennett described the deal as “a blow to Israel’‎s national  pride and national  perseverance”.

The agreement was announced earlier this week and sees Israel and Turkey restore full diplomatic relations after a six-year hiatus. Prime Minister Netanyahu said that the deal is of “strategic importance” for “security, for regional stability and for the Israeli economy”.

Meanwhile, Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin sent a letter of condolence to Turkey’s President Erdogan following the terror attack at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, which killed 41 people. Rivlin expressed “heartfelt condolences” and said Israel “is ready and willing to assist in any way possible”. Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein sent a letter to his Turkish counterpart expressing “deep shock and outrage” at the “vile terror attack” by those who “sanctify death over life”.