Israel, Turkey Might Be Headed for Reconciliation
DESPITE the widespread belief that ties between Israel and Turkey are virtually nonexistent, the Israeli and Turkish officials have, of late, held a series of meetings, the most recent three weeks ago, according to Israeli officials who confirmed media reports in both countries. The goal has been to find a formula for an apology acceptable to Ankara for the 2010 “Gaza flotilla affair” in which Israeli troops killed nine Turkish citizens during a violent clash on a ship trying to break the Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.
“There’s an ongoing dialogue and we’re speaking to them and trying to find a formula that they will accept,” a senior Israeli official said on condition of anonymity. “They’re upset with us and we believe that is not fair.”
The Turkish weekly Radikal reported that Israel may apologize to Turkey for “operational errors” during the raid on the Mavi Marmara in advance of President Barack Obama’s visit to the Middle East next month. He has pressed for reconciliation between the two American allies.
Turkey has demanded a formal apology for Israel’s conduct during the flotilla. In May 2010, Israeli naval commandos boarded the Turkish-flagged ship, which set out to break the blockade Israel implemented when Hamas took control of the Gaza in 2007 in order to prevent materials that could be used militarily from falling into Hamas’ hands. The soldiers encountered physical resistance and nine Turkish citizens were killed in the clashes that ensued. Turkey insists those killed were civilian passengers while Israel does not agrre. In addition to the apology, Turkey is demanding compensation for the families of those killed, and an end to Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.
Israel has expressed “regret” that innocent civilians were killed but has refused to “apologize,” saying the soldiers were attacked when they boarded the ship. A United Nations commission also accused Israel of using disproportionate force.