BICOM

Israel and Turkey closed in yesterday on a compensation agreement which would pave the way for a restoration of ties between the two countries.

Relations between Israel and Turkey broke down in 2010, following a period of close economic and military cooperation. Diplomatic ties were cut 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. However, in March Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paved the way for reconciliation by apologising to his Turkish counterpart for the incident.

An initial meeting between Israeli and Turkish delegations took place last month in Istanbul to work out a financial compensation agreement for families of the Turkish citizens killed on board the Mavi Marmara. A further eight hour meeting took place yesterday in Jerusalem, during which the two sides appeared to have agreed a draft deal. The Turkish delegation, led by Turkish Foreign Ministry Director General Feridun Sinirlioglu, was the highest level Turkish visit to Israel in three years. National Security Adviser Yaakov Amidror and former Foreign Ministry Director General Yosef Ciechanover headed the Israeli delegation.

Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office released a statement yesterday saying, “The meeting was conducted in a good and positive manner. The delegations reached an agreed draft, but further clarifications are required on certain subjects.” Haaretz says that Turkish Foreign Ministry officials also confirmed that an agreement is in place, although a final compensation amount is yet to be finalised. Once this has been confirmed, the Jerusalem Post says that a full restoration of diplomatic ties is expected. Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is thought to be keen to show progress in talks with Israel prior to his visit to Washington on 16 May.