Erdogan says Turkey interested in improving relations with Israel

[DavidSling]

Azerbaijan reportedly has been working to try and renew ties between Israel and Turkey.

By REUTERS
DECEMBER 25, 2020 14:29

TURKISH PRESIDENT Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
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President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that Turkey would like to have better ties with Israel, adding that talks at intelligence level continued between the two sides.

The two countries have had a bitter falling out in recent years, despite strong commercial ties, expelling ambassadors in 2018. Ankara has repeatedly condemned Israel's occupation in the West Bank and its treatment of Palestinians.

Speaking to reporters after Friday prayers in Istanbul, Erdogan said Turkey had issues with "people at the top level" in Israel and that ties could have been "very different" if it were not for those issues.

"The Palestine policy is our red line. It is impossible for us to accept Israel's Palestine policies. Their merciless acts there are unacceptable," Erdogan said.

"If there were no issues at the top level, our ties could have been very different," he added. "We would like to bring our ties to a better point."

Turkey and Israel, former allies, expelled each other's top diplomats in 2018 over clashes when dozens of Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces on the Gaza border. Ankara and Tel Aviv continue to trade with one another.
Azerbaijan reportedly has been working to try and renew tiesbetween Israel and Turkey, Walla! news reported on Wednesday. Israel and Turkey both offered the government of Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev military support during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War.

Aliyev allegedly phoned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan this week and suggested various paths into improving diplomatic relations between Turkey and Israel.

Erdogan was reported to respond positively to the overtures, Walla! reported, and officials in Azerbaijan told their Israeli counterparts that the Turkish politician was swayed into anti-Israeli rhetoric due to the influence of former aids.

Last week, Azeri Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov allegedly called Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi to discuss the same issue with the message that his country would be interested to see both of its allies enjoying improved relations.

Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.

Erdogan says Turkey interested in improving relations with Israel

Earlier this month, Ankara reportedly appointed Ufuk Ulutas, 40, from its Foreign Ministry as an Ambassador to Israel.

www.jpost.com

 

[BATMAN]

Erdogan says Turkey wants better ties with Israel

Turkish president wants to bring ties to a ‘better point’ but says Israeli policy towards Palestinians is unacceptable.

www.aljazeera.com

@El Sidd
What's new here?
Turkey never had bad relations with Israel, both have always enjoyed full diplomatic, economic and social contacts.

 

[Philip the Arab]

It is the wish of naive Pakistanis not the ground facts.

@BATMAN

 

[BATMAN]

It is the wish of naive Pakistanis not the ground facts.

@BATMAN

In simple words, Pakistan's foreign policy is made in Qum, while Qum is enemy of Pakistan and it's no secret.
Turkish media reporting as well.

Turkey hopes for better relations with Israel, ErdoÄan says

Turkey has not fully cut off its relations with Israel and continues to cooperate with the country in the intelligence field, President Recep Tayyip...

www.dailysabah.com

Is it reported in any Pakistani media, which is mostly controlled by Imran Khan aides.

 

[Shapur Zol Aktaf]

Turkey hopes for better relations with Israel, Erdoğan says

Turkey has not fully cut off its relations with Israel and continues to cooperate with the country in the intelligence field, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Friday.

"The main problem right now is about individuals at the top," Erdoğan told reporters following Friday prayers.

"The Palestine policy is our red line. It is impossible for us to accept Israel's Palestine policies. Their merciless acts there are unacceptable," Erdoğan said.

"If there were no issues at the top level, our ties could have been very different," he added.

However, the president noted that Turkey hopes to improve its relations with the country. "We would like to bring our ties to a better point," he said.

Meanwhile, recent reports claimed that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has been trying to mend relations between the two countries.

Azerbaijan, which recently liberated its territories from Armenian occupation in Nagorno-Karabakh, used drones and other defense systems from Turkey and Israel, which helped it gain superiority. According to the Israeli website Walla!, Aliyev called Erdoğan earlier this week and made several suggestions about ways to improve diplomatic ties with Israel.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also reportedly called his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi last week to bring up the same issue and noted that Baku would be interested in improving ties between both of its allies.

Relations between Turkey and Israel drastically declined in 2010 following an Israeli naval raid on a Turkish aid ship, the Mavi Marmara, en route to deliver humanitarian aid to the blockaded Gaza Strip. The raid killed 10 activists.

The event caused an unprecedented crisis in the decadeslong peaceful Turkish-Israeli relations. Both countries even recalled their diplomatic envoys following the massacre.

In 2013, with Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu's apology to Turkey and the payment of $20 million (about TL 38 million at the time) in compensation to the Mavi Marmara victims, Turkish-Israeli relations entered a period of normalization.

In December 2016, both countries reappointed ambassadors as part of the reconciliation deal and reiterated several times the necessity of further improvements in bilateral relations.

Turkish officials continue to criticize Israel’s policies targeting Palestinians, however, including illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Turkish citizens have also been complaining about Israel’s arbitrary restrictions on visits. However, Israel's informal policy of deportation, visa rejection, arbitrary detention and delay of Turkish nationals for no reason at airports has failed to discourage hundreds of visitors each year.

Known for its unbreakable solidarity with the Palestinians, Turkey has been voicing support for the Palestinian cause in the international realm for decades. Turkish authorities emphasize that the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East is through a fair and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue within the framework of international law and United Nations resolutions.

Israel occupied east Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War. In 1980, in a move never recognized by the international community, Israel annexed the entire city, claiming it as the self-proclaimed Jewish state's "eternal and undivided" capital. Last year, the U.N. called the Israeli occupation in Palestine "the longest occupation" in the world.

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Middle East conflict, with Palestinians hoping that east Jerusalem, occupied by Israel since 1967, might eventually serve as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.

In January, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a so-called peace plan for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, dubbing it the "Deal of the Century," although it had already been roundly rejected by the Palestinians.

Netanyahu was with Trump at the White House for the announcement, but no Palestinian officials were present. In a news conference, Trump said Jerusalem will remain Israel's "undivided capital."

Turkey rejected the plan, saying it would not support any plan that is not accepted by the Palestinian authorities, adding that peace in the Middle East would not be obtained if the policies based on occupation continued.

Trump's so-called peace plan unilaterally annuls previous U.N. resolutions on the Palestinian issue and suggests giving Israel almost everything it has been demanding

Turkey hopes for better relations with Israel, ErdoÄan says

Turkey has not fully cut off its relations with Israel and continues to cooperate with the country in the intelligence field, President Recep Tayyip...

www.dailysabah.com

 

[Salmanov]

Let’s see the reaction of the delusional islamists

 

[INS_Vikrant]

Wasn't he going to cut off diplomatic relations with UAE for recognizing Israel?

 

[Indus Pakistan]

Wasn't he going to cut off diplomatic relations with UAE for recognizing Israel?

It's called "if you can't beat them then you join them". Unless your Pakistan in which case you just close your eyes, refuse to accept what is going on and sulk.

 

[Shapur Zol Aktaf]

Turkey Poised for Reset in Relations With Israel
By Dorian Jones
December 21, 2020 03:12 PM
FILE - A Turkish flag flutters atop the Turkish embassy as an Israeli flag is seen nearby, in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 26, 2016.
FILE - A Turkish flag flutters atop the Turkish embassy as an Israeli flag is seen nearby, in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 26, 2016.
ISTANBUL - Relations between Israel and Turkey could be on the verge of a breakthrough, with a Turkish presidential adviser confirming bilateral talks and that full diplomatic relations could be restored by March. Relations between the once close allies all but collapsed with Turkey withdrawing its ambassador in 2017, amid escalating tensions.

Professor Mesut Casin, a foreign relations adviser to the Turkish presidency, says the meeting between Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Donald Trump offers an opportunity for new approaches to resolve bilateral tensions. (D. Jones/VOA)
FILE - Mesut Casin, a foreign relations adviser to the Turkish presidency. (Dorian Jones/VOA)
"If Israel comes one step, Turkey maybe can come two steps," the Turkish presidential adviser on foreign affairs, Mesut Casin, said in reference to ongoing talks with Israel.

"If we see a green light, Turkey will open the embassy again and return our ambassador. Maybe in March, we can restore full diplomatic relations again. Why not."

"Establishing peace and security is very important to Israel and Turkey. After Mavi Marmara, we don't want another accident with Israel," added Casin.

Demonstrators march with a giant Palestinian flag on May 31, 2018 at Istiklal avenue in Istanbul, to mark the 8th anniversary…
FILE - Demonstrators march with a giant Palestinian flag May 31, 2018 at Istiklal avenue in Istanbul, to mark the 8th anniversary of a deadly raid on Turkish-registered Mavi Marmara.
The Mavi Marmara was the largest of six vessels in a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying humanitarian aid for Palestinians back in 2010. Pro-Palestinian activists seeking to break Israel's economic blockade of the Gaza Strip were on board when Israeli forces stormed the vessel, killing nine Turkish nationals.

Since then, Turkish-Israeli relations have never fully recovered despite intense mediating efforts by the United States to rebuild ties between its two key regional allies.

U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital and Israeli security forces' crackdown on Palestinian protests saw Turkey and Israel withdrawing their ambassadors.

Casin acknowledged the election of Joe Biden to the U.S. presidency as a boost to efforts to repair ties. “There are new perspectives with Biden; a lot of things will change," he said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan enjoyed a close relationship with Trump, but a Biden presidency is predicted to be more challenging for Ankara.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks after a cabinet meeting, in Ankara, Turkey, Dec. 14, 2020.
FILE - Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks after a cabinet meeting, in Ankara, Turkey, Dec. 14, 2020.
"Turkish-American relations are expected to enter a tough period, at least in the short run, considering the Biden administration's sensitivity toward issues of democracy and human rights," said Selin Nasi, an analyst on Turkish-Israeli affairs.

"Given the anti-Turkish opinion prevalent in the U.S. Congress, Turkey might be hoping that Israel can neutralize the opposition and help Turkey win Washington's ear again," she added.

Turkey and Israel did find recent common ground in the recent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, the disputed mainly ethnic Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan. Israeli and Turkish drones and reported intelligence support from the two countries proved pivotal in Azerbaijan's victory over Armenian forces backed by Iran.

"It is harder to read Israel's motivation [in improving ties with Turkey], Nasi told VOA. "Though, it is true that Turkey and Israel have convergent interests in the Middle East, particularly in terms of rolling back Iran's power and influence."

"At a time when Israel is normalizing her relations with several Muslim countries, adding Turkey to the list will improve her conciliatory image in the international arena," she added.

Much to gain for Turkey

Turkish presidential adviser Casin argues Israel has a lot to gain from normalization. "Turkey bought a lot of weapons from Israel. We can arrange this again," he said, "Turkey's and Israel's defense industries can go ahead together."

"Secondly, energy resources, They [Israel] discover oil and gas. OK, Israel is 8 million people. Where can they sell this oil and gas? The biggest market is Turkey, and Turkey will be via a pipeline, the corridor to the European Union market."

A significant repercussion from Israeli and Turkish tensions is Israel allying itself with Turkey’s regional rivals, Egypt and Greece. The three countries are developing cooperation based on energy and defense, a move that observers say is a reaction to Turkey's increasingly robust stance in the region.

Egypt, Greece are important ties for Israel

Analysts suggest Israel will likely be careful not to jeopardize its recent deepening ties with Egypt and Greece.

A potentially more significant stumbling block to Israeli-Turkish rapprochement is Ankara's backing of the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas.

"From Israel's point of view, Turkey should stop agitating about the status of Jerusalem, and drop support for whom they consider as terrorists," said analyst Atilla Yesilada of Global Source Partners." Turkey has to cut its ties with Hamas and Muslim Brotherhood."

Erdogan, who likes to present himself as a defender of global Muslim rights, remains in the forefront of opposing Israel's diplomatic efforts to secure Jerusalem's international recognition as its capital. At the same time, Ankara's support of the Muslim Brotherhood is a central plank of Turkish diplomacy in the region.

Turkey ready to make concessions

International relations professor Huseyin Bagci of Ankara's Middle East Technical University suggests Ankara is ready to make concessions. "Ankara will lessen their support," Bagci said. "Turkey has promised not to support so openly the Muslim Brotherhood. When Ibrahim Kalin [Erdogan's spokesman] visited Brussels, he probably made promises on similar lines. This is why there is a higher expectation Turkey is making reforms, not to support the Muslim Brotherhood."

But ultimately, any improvement in ties will need to overcome the animosity between Erdogan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, "There is the bad blood between the two leaders, Erdogan and Netanyahu," said Bagci.

Both leaders routinely exchange insults, which observers say plays well with their electoral bases. With Israel likely set for new elections, analysts say it is unlikely there will be an announcement of any breakthrough before the expected poll outcome.

Turkey Poised for Reset in Relations With Israel

Turkey presidential adviser confirms diplomatic talks with Israel to reset ties, claiming restoration of ambassadors possible by March; analysts warn major obstacles remain

www.voanews.com

Let’s see the reaction of the delusional islamists

It was always clear (except for ummaists) that Turkey is firmly in the NATO+ (Nato and Israel) camp. They admit cooperation in intelligence. Turkey has NATO nuclear missiles, a danger for regional countries and Asia (Iran, Syria, Iraq, Russia, China).

 

[Xerxes22]

Alot of people wen talking about azerbaijan use the term "muslim brothers" this and that as if these people and Erdo are fighting for the rejuvenation of the Islamic ummah. whilst the truth is they are in bed with nato and zion. Its utterly pathetic how deluded people are that they cant even see who are actually following an islamic agenda and who are not.

These people's policies are empowering zion . not countering it. Muslim communities are beyond pathetic now that they put their hopes on a Nato member state and so called "muslim brother" azerbaijan who are literally in bed with the enemies of God. so congratulations. its because of pathetic people such as them we are where we are now.
None of the mongrels supporting these traitor using terms as "brothers" will show up here. They were moronic rooting for kSA and all the gulf traitor monarchies until the truth could not be hidden anymore. UAE, BAHRAIN,KSA had no lack of support from these unintellectual blind mongrel for years. They used to combine it with alot of Iran bashing and conspiracy theories of a 5 yr old about how Iran and Israel are actually secret lovers. WOE TO THEM MONGRELS. EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THESE "Our Muslim Brothers" MONGRELS. The truth about azer and erdo will also be equally stark too. i mean those people lapdanced for gulf monarchies against Iran. Then wen their collusion with zion became public they turned to Nato state Turkey and Israeli friend Azer.

No matter wat Iran does against zion will not be enuf to convince mongrels that Iranian leadership fears god. They shamelessly show up on Iraninan discussions and blame us for causing mess. Its those who do tap dancin for zion that has made the mess.

 

[Xerxes22]

It's called "if you can't beat them then you join them". Unless your Pakistan in which case you just close your eyes, refuse to accept what is going on and sulk.

its called BS. Its called they never had any motive to beat them at all. dont come in here with a weak arse attitude. Wat about Iran? Learn sumthing from them. If people like u werent so eager to justify surrender than the people of the middle east wudnt be murdered, plundered and squeezed dry so easily.

I TOLD EVERYONE. Turkey is a nato country, but the braindead islamists in here found their lost hope in turkey whilst no matter wat Iran do for Islam is never enuf. 40 years of endless struggle isnt enuf for them.


LISTEN TO WHAT I HAVE TO SAY. all these weak arse sell out country has betrayed our creed , our faith. only iran has stood against all odds. as all men shud. men shud stand against all odds wen creed and the almighty come to the equation. those who shamelessly cower to zion and the great satan have no right to be labelled leaders of islam.


MARK MY WORD ON ANOTHER THING.

if this continues and iran is no more. islam, our creed will be no more in the next 50 yrs. no more. it will be extinct. there will be nothing left of it except emtpty words. to those braindead morons who think turkey is the leader of the axis "wake the hell up".


Wake up becuz of this goes on, our grandchildren will be born in a world where islam will be taught in the history classes. and all you braindead morons will be responsible for not even being able to see what the hell was happening.

wake up and see who is fighting for our creed. who is fighting for the teachings of the prophet of god. wake up and see who is fighting for our survival. army of khurasan. the truth is there for all to see. its there if u have the guts to find it.


"if you cant beat them Join them" right? people like these cant even beat my grandma let alone fight against our sworn enemies. And yet moronic braindead islamists who have no clue about geopolitics but shamelessly hide the fact that their judgement is based on sectarianism claim that a state like TURKEY is the leader of Islam. My foot.

 

[El Sidd]

Hope is a dangerous thing.

Turkey and Israel both have political maturity to keep their progressive path in politics.

Peace in the region will benefit Antalya as well as Jericho.

 

[Dariush the Great]

fake muslim erdogan bowing down to his zionist masters.

 

[El Sidd]

It was always clear (except for ummaists) that Turkey is firmly in the NATO+ (Nato and Israel) camp.

Will Iranian proxies now engage Turkish forces openly?

 

[Shapur Zol Aktaf]

Will Iranian proxies now engage Turkish forces openly?

Could eventually happen in Syria if Turkey doesnt pull out.

Turkey is in Syria for 3 goals:
-preventing PKK/YPG on their border
-neo-ottomanism
-serving US-Israeli Nato goals (weakening anti-USIsraeli powers)

The first goal sounds reasonable, however they're partly guilty themselves. Before the war there was no PKK on their border. Syria and Turkey had even agreed on expelling PKK from Syria, which Syria did.