BICOM

Israel’s Environmental Affairs Minister, Amir Peretz arrived in Istanbul yesterday, becoming the first Israeli government minister to visit Turkey since diplomatic ties between the two countries broke down three years ago.

In 2010, the previously warm relationship between Israel and Turkey deteriorated after the deaths of nine Turkish citizens; they were killed whilst trying to prevent Israeli commandos taking over a Gaza-bound protest ship, the Mavi Marmara. In March this year, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paved the way for reconciliation by issuing an apology at the behest of US President Obama.  However, relations between Israel and Turkey remain strained. Although talks took place earlier this year between officials from both countries over financial compensation for families of the Turkish citizens killed on board the Mavi Marmara, no final agreement has been reached.

Peretz’s arrival in Turkey yesterday to attend a United Nations (UN)-sponsored conference on Mediterranean marine and coastal environment issues was first reported by Israel’s Channel Two television. It was confirmed yesterday by a Turkish foreign ministry official who appeared to distance Turkey’s government from Peretz’s visit, telling Reuters that “the invitations were made by the UN Secretariat, we are just the host country.” Although the programme for the conference indicated that Turkish government officials would be in attendance, it was unclear whether Peretz would meet with any of them during his visit. However, a Turkish official told Channel Two, “As for the normalization of relations between Ankara and Jerusalem… I have more reason to be optimistic these days than ever before.”

Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Peretz obtained all the necessary approvals for his visit to Turkey. Peretz is a former-Defence Minister and was also leader of the Labour Party. He is now a senior member of the Hatnuah Party headed by Justice Minister Tzipi Livni.